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Islets of Hope real people - stories from others living with type 1 diabetes |
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Madison was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just one day after her first birthday.
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Real people Madison, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 1 A story of love, submitted by an amazing grandmother I first read about Madison on a diabetes support group that her grandmother, Antoinette belongs to. Her story was so touching that I felt compelled to show the world Madison's beautiful, sweet face and share with you a story of an extraordinary grandmother that is helping her family cope with diabetes.
Any diagnosis of diabetes is hard on both children and their families. But there are special considerations for children diagnosed as young as Madison. How do you tell someone just learning to use language that what you are doing hurts, but is necessary? How do you console a hungry child with high blood sugars who cannot eat until her sugars are in a safe range? And how do you explain to her why those she loved and trusted to keep her safe are pricking her tiny fingers and shoving needles into her arms, legs and tummy because that is what they must now do to keep her safe? And how do you console the parents and grandparents who must do these painful things in order to keep their child alive? And, that each day they must remain on constant vigil or risk serious medical problems? How, even a cold could be serious enough to put their tiny toddler into the hospital? How do you erase the guilt we all feel as parents when our children are diagnosed, that it may have been our genes, but it is not our fault? And how, oh how, can you find day care competent and willing to care for a child so young so that Mom and Dad can work? It is true that in time the hardships of diabetes do become routine, more familiar, and in that sense become easier. But it is never easy. But what does help, is the love and support from family and friends and Madison's grandmother, Antoinette, has devoted her time and life to helping Madison and her parents. Antoinette actively seeks out diabetes information and researches every possibility that might benefit her young granddaughter. She cares for Madison during the day with love and patience and the newly acquired medical skills that accompany a diagnosis of diabetes. And, she does it all without complaint. With that kind of love and support, Madison, will surely thrive and continue to bless us with her winning smiles and playful ways. Antoinette, you are truly just as amazing as the granddaughter you cherish so deeply. A special thank you to all grandparents out there helping make the life of a child with diabetes better. I applaud you, Antoinette, and Madison, too. Lahle Wolfe, founder Islets of Hope To date, Madison, is the youngest recipient of a quilt through our QD Quilts for Children with Diabetes program.
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