A Mother's Perspective: Polishing Off Juvenile Diabetes

A Sister's Sympathy

When Jennifer Scheidt heard fellow independent Silpada Designs Representative, Jen Oswald, speak at Silpada's 2005 National Conference about how juvenile diabetes has affected her life, she heard a story that was all too familiar. Jennifer could sympathize with Jen's experiences because her brother was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes when he was 5 years old.

"I'll never forget being in a meeting with my brownie troop after school in 2nd grade. My father came to pick me up because my brother was in the hospital. Being so young, of course, I didn't understand why," said Jennifer.

Jennifer soon discovered the daily trials of living with juvenile diabetes when the family began a regimen to help keep her brother's disease under control. Much to Jennifer's dismay, she later found out that her journey with juvenile diabetes would not end with her brother.

"I was horrified to find out when I was 18 that my little 10-year-old sister had been diagnosed as well. I couldn't believe that lightning had struck our family twice," Jennifer said. Jennifer took this especially hard, knowing what her brother had already endured by having the disease. Very soon after her sister's diagnosis, Jennifer's godchild was also diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Having this many people so dear to her heart fall prey to the disease, Jennifer has been extremely active in her efforts to help find a cure.

"I somehow escaped juvenile diabetes, but I would gladly take up my family members' burden, if I could. I have been involved with local JDRF efforts, volunteered at walks, and raised funds myself and also through Silpada at a local hair salon and Mexican restaurant. Every little bit helps," Jennifer said.

Jennifer is proud to be a part of the continuing efforts to make a cure for juvenile diabetes a reality. She feels very fortunate to be able to see first-hand the amount of dedication and drive that JDRF volunteers possess. "The millions of people who have juvenile diabetes, and, most importantly to me, those in my family, have received an immeasurable gift of hope."