Type 1 Diabetes Awareness: A Purpose Driven Lemonade Stand!
Our Back Story from Mom
My name is Kenyea, Mommy of Kennedi (Lil Sis), and God Mommy of Dana (Big Sis).
On July 26, 2021, our lives changed forever. Kennedi, my vibrant and joyful 18-month-old, was taken to Children’s Hospital for what we initially thought were symptoms of the common stomach virus. She had a fever, showed signs of weakness and fatigue, experienced stomach pains, and was suffering from extreme vomiting. I never could have imagined the devastating news that awaited us.
After several tests and medical procedures, we anxiously awaited her results. When her doctor finally came in, we heard the horrifying words that still echo in my head to this day:
“Here’s what we are looking at... your daughter is going to need insulin for the rest of her life.” My heart sank. My less than 2-year-old baby had tested positive for type 1 diabetes. Worse yet, she was in a life-threatening stage of Diabetic Ketoacidosis, also known as DKA.
For those unfamiliar, Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a serious condition that occurs when the body starts breaking down fats at an alarming rate. The liver processes the fat into fuel called ketones, which causes the blood to become acidic. If not treated promptly, DKA can lead to severe complications such as cerebral edema, coma, or even death. We were told that Kennedi’s blood sugar levels were dangerously high and that her little body was struggling to stay alive. Had we not brought her to the ER when we did, we would’ve had a different outcome.
In the wake of our experience, I became passionate about diabetes education, wanting to share our journey to help others. Inspired by Kennedi, I even organized a lemonade stand, not just for fun, but to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and the importance of early detection and proper management.
In that moment, I was in shock. It felt as if everything around me transformed into a cloudy dream, with the doctor's voice and background chatter becoming distant. I felt numb. This is something no parent should ever have to endure. My mind raced with questions: How did this happen? What did I do wrong? Was there anything I could’ve done to prevent this? Why my baby? Why me?
Over the next 5 days, Kennedi remained in the hospital receiving treatments to control her blood sugar levels. We also had to attend a two-part diabetes education class before she could be discharged. This was by far the most overwhelming week of my life. It felt surreal to be taking a class to learn how to keep our baby alive!
Type 1 diabetes, also known as T1D, previously referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is an autoimmune disease. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing cells (called beta cells) in the pancreas. This means the body can’t make enough insulin, or any at all. Insulin is a hormone that the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Without sufficient insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, elevated blood sugar can cause a range of serious complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and other organ and tissue damage. To raise awareness about type 1 diabetes, I even thought about organizing a lemonade stand, with proceeds going to diabetes research.
Management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) requires lifelong insulin therapy, whether through injections or an insulin pump. Individuals with T1D must diligently monitor their blood sugar levels throughout the day and adjust their insulin doses accordingly. Alongside insulin therapy, diabetes education, maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and routine medical check-ups are crucial for managing the disease and preventing complications.
The cause of T1D is often described as 'The Perfect Storm.' Just like a thunderstorm requires moisture, rising unstable air, and a lifting mechanism, various factors contribute to the onset of T1D, including genetics, viruses, and environmental influences. In light of this, we are excited to establish a non-profit called The Perfect Rainbow: Support, Education, and Resources to help families navigate the challenges of this difficult disease. We aim to raise awareness and provide support on the frontlines. Your donations and the purchase of refreshing lemonade from our lemonade stand and other products will help support our mission and allow us to continue being 'The Ultimate Lemonade Stand.'