I still think Liz’s letter is the best one each year…if you’ve got extra money to donate this year here’s another very worthy cause:
Dear Emma’s Energy,
It’s walk time again! Since our daughter Emma was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 4 years ago, we have participated in this annual fundraiser for JDRF. I have to admit, I am ambivalent about these letters. I am always uncomfortable asking for money, although the support we have received each year is beyond generous. Some of you donate and walk to support Emma, because you see what a vibrant, smart and kind girl she is, and you don’t want anything to stand in the way of her growing into a healthy adult. Some of you just like Tom or me, and want to let us know you care. Whatever your reason, I ask you to donate to JDRF in support of Emma’s Energy, and to come walk with us on October 31st.
Those of you who see Emma regularly know that she is growing so fast! She is almost as tall as her mother, and her mannerisms are no longer that of a little girl. Along with all this growth comes crazy fluctuations in hormones, which affect blood glucose levels, which can be extremely dangerous if not monitored carefully. Type 1 management through these years is constant. It is time consuming and frustrating. Emma is so resilient through it all. It is only occassionally we’ll hear the “It’s not fair that I have diabetes!” and she’ll hear the only truthful response, “No, it’s not.” (Other cries of “It’s not fair!” get a different response :))
Having Type 1 is not fair, and it is not easy. But it is what she has to deal with every day for the rest of her life. We are so grateful to JDRF and all the researchers for devoting so much time and energy into trying to find a cure. I sometimes talk to adults with Type 1, and they talk about how far the tools for management have come in the last 20, 10, even 5 years. All the research JDRF does has already benefited Emma’s life, and who knows what they will discover in the next 5, 10, 20 years?
Please support the work of JDRF with a donation if you are able. We also invite and encourage you to join us on October 31st at Roger Williams Park in Providence for the Walk to Cure Diabetes. Emma is always touched by the presence of so many of you who share that event with us.
Thank you very much for your donation, your walking participation, and your kind thoughts.
Warmly,
Liz, Tom, Emma and Charlie Boucher
Please visit Emma’s Walk Web page if you would like to donate online: