A Mother's Perspective: Polishing Off Juvenile Diabetes

Hope and Drive to Find a Cure

I am the Team Captain for Team Hammer in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Annapolis, MD on October 22. Team Hammer is for my son, Nicholas "The Hammer" Hartwell, who was diagnosed July 11, 2006.

When Nick was sent home from day camp with flu-like viral symptoms, I didn't think anything of it. But, when he became confused, lethargic and disoriented, I became worried. Within a few hours of saying good night, Nick was breathing heavily, had dark circles around his sunken eyes, and he didn't even recognize me.

I rushed him to the emergency room, and they immediately knew he was in ketoacidosis. His blood sugar was over 1000 mg/dl and he was very close to a comatose state. They flew us to a hospital in Washington, D.C. where they admitted Nick to the PICU. For four hours, I waited in an unfamiliar place and agonized over my son's chance of survival.

One week later, Nick returned to day camp where the staff was trained in Nick's diabetic procedures. He was even able to attend all the field trips. For a moment, it seemed he was a healthy little boy again and we had woken from a terrible nightmare.

We know Nick's diabetes is now a part of our life until there is a cure. He's doing well pricking his finger and eating his snacks when he's supposed to. His braveness encourages me every day. As a mother, I can't believe my young child is so strong, and I even find myself relying on that strength at times.

Despite the strength I find in Nick, I sometimes feel alone and desperate in this disease that has invaded our life. But, I am thankful to JDRF. Joining the JDRF Walk has provided me with a hope and drive to help find a cure.