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Jonathon and Jackson
Haas, ages 4 and 6, live in The Fairways. Our family has become actively
involved in Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the walk
for many reasons. We have been blessed to have found friends who provide
us with support as we battle this disease daily. We feel that our involvement
provides a wonderful opportunity for the boys to know that they are not
alone in their daily struggles with diabetes. Most importantly, we are
optimistic that a cure will be found during their lifetime and desire
to be a fundamental part in realizing that dream. The Diabetes Walk for
a Cure provides a time of bonding with other families while raising the
well needed funds to allow extensive research for the cure.
- Selina and Keith Haas
Abbey Dotson, age 5 and Will Parker, age
8 are from Towne Lake Hills East and lead the Parkers' Platoon. Now in
our fourth year, we challenge every team member to "fight the Battle Against
Juvenile Diabetes." Parkers' Platoon has raised over $50,000 towards the
cure since 2000. Change the World in a Day! That's our theme for
this year because by walking, people can really make a difference. We
want to be a part of changing history. We want to help find a cure
- Michelle and Robert Parker
Alexander Rudat, a 15 year-old Towne Laker,
was diagnosed at age 10. He has recently started using the insulin pump
which will provide much better control of his blood sugar levels over
the long run, but the pump is still not a cure. He especially likes having
to deal with only 10 needles a month as opposed to the 150 needles a month
while he was taking insulin shots. Alexander's Boy Scout Troop, Troop
94, will be volunteering their time with the Diabetes Walk for the fourth
year in a row. Since Alexander joined this troop, two other families within
the troop have had younger brothers diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. For
the third year in a row, E.T. Booth's Student Council will raise funds
for the walk during their Crazy Hat day.
- Caroline and Martin Rudat
Garrett McNealy is a 3 year-old member of
the Family Network who was diagnosed in February of this year. Our family
team has a goal of $7,000 and we currently have 23 registered walkers
with more expected. Our interest in this walk is simple - to find a cure,
to be part of that cure and to end this horrible disease. We have also
realized that through JDRF and the Walk to Cure, we are raising awareness
and with that knowledge comes POWER!! At three years old, Garrett
really does not have an understanding of his diabetes, but his first words
every morning should not be "do I have to have a shot?"
- Stephanie and Ron McNealy
Zachary Davenport is 3 years old and was
diagnosed in 2002. Last year was our family's first year to participate
in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. We talked about it with much enthusiasm
for weeks before the actual walk. On the day of the walk, Zachary seemed
particularly excited. After the walk was over, we were driving home discussing
how successful the day had been when we heard Zachary's little voice from
his car seat. "Did my diabetes get cured?" was his question. Like so many
times in the past year, my heart sank and the tears came. Zachary thought
that after we "walked to cure diabetes," his diabetes would be cured.
It was so hard to find the words to explain that the walk helped researchers
have enough money to try their best to find a cure. I cannot wait until
the last walk that we ever have to do when I can say to my precious boy,
"we walked to cure diabetes, and now your diabetes is cured!"
- Rhonda and Chuck Davenport
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