This is The Barnes Family and they are on a very important mission to STRIKEoutDiabetes! Chris and Lynda Barnes are championship professional bowlers and parents of twin boys Ryan and Troy. In 2008, Troy was suddenly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), which occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas (warning signs of T1D). When the beta cells are destroyed, no insulin can be produced, and the glucose stays in the blood, where it can cause serious damage to all the organ systems of the body. There is no cure for T1D.
For this reason, people with T1D must take insulin in order to stay alive. This means undergoing multiple injections daily, or having insulin delivered through an insulin pump. You will notice below that Troy has a white egg shaped device attached to his stomach. He wears an OmniPod, a tubeless insulin pump. Although the use of an insulin pump does eliminate multiple injections daily, it does have to be changed out on a regular basis (every 3 days for the OmniPod). It works like getting an IV, a cannula is inserted so that insulin delivery can take place. So while many users benefit from such devices, they are NOT a cure and still require careful monitoring and management. (Myths and Facts of T1D)
T1D also requires Troy to test his blood sugar by pricking his fingers for blood six or more times a day. When you have T1D, you are always calculating – carbs, correction factors, insulin to carb ratios and the list goes on. Many times those living with T1D find that even though they strive for tight blood sugar control and follow their meal plan and insulin schedule, they still experience rapid fluctuations in their blood glucose. It’s important to note that those fluctuations do not mean the person with diabetes has done anything wrong. Many factors, including stress, hormone changes, periods of growth, and illness can easily cause blood sugar to swing out of control making T1D very difficult to manage.
Since Troy’s diagnosis, the Barnes’ have dedicated their time and resources to helping JDRF find a cure and have put together an impressive diabetes awareness and fundraising initiative called STRIKEoutDiabetes. This wonderful event features a fun day of bowling, silent and live auctions, bowling celebrity appearances and chances to win great prizes – all with a goal of raising money for JDRF funded research.
Get Involved. You can join The Barnes Family & Friends for the 2013 STRIKEoutDiabetes Charity Bowling Event on Saturday, April 27, 2013 at AMF Lewisville Lanes. SPACES are limited, visit www.STRIKEoutDiabetes.org today to find out more information. Additional ways you can help…
- Make an online donation
- Help raise money by setting up your own online fundraising page as an individual
- Become a Lane Sponsor (limited availability)
- Donate an Auction Item
- Participate in the STRIKEoutDiabetes Scratch Trio
- Attend the STRIKEoutDiabetes Coaching Clinic
JDRF is the leading global organization focused on T1D research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF is to improve the lives of every person affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing the disease. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. Learn more by visiting www.jdrf.org.
A very special thanks to The Barnes Family for sharing their story and to all of the supporters who have made these Love Capture Give ® sessions possible by purchasing sessions through Tressavent Photography.
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