Here is
Jess' 2016 Walk letter; I hope you'll take a moment to read and consider
donating and/or joining us at the Walk:
I
started my first ever full-time job in late July after making the journey from
California to Ohio to Ithaca, New York. I have really started settling
into my new position and new home. Diabetes still hovers over me like a
dark cloud on a daily basis, even though I will be “celebrating” my 14-year
diagnosis anniversary in December. I worry about forgetting to give myself
the correct amount of insulin in the midst of trying to enjoy meals with
coworkers or rushing off to the next important meeting. I still have not
found an endocrinologist nearby and it seems like I will have very limited
options in a fairly rural area. I struggle to accurately count
carbohydrates as I continue to eat in the dining hall at least once a day (this
is my 7th year of dining hall food).
In
other words, “juvenile” diabetes does not stop now that I am no longer a
student, live on my own, and rely on my parents less and less. This
disease is something I have to think about dozens of times per day and it
probably should be on my mind even more than it is. I know that I could
and should take better care of my diabetes, and improved technology will
definitely help me do that. I am really looking forward to the upcoming
combined insulin pump/continuous glucose monitor devices that are set to hit
the market soon. This would allow me to go on “autopilot” with my
diabetes (to some extent) for periods of time throughout the day and just give
me more of the freedom I am looking for in my young adult life. This
would also ease my parent’s minds about the threat of complications and
short-term issues.
Since
2003, we have joined with our family and friends in JDRF’s annual Walk,
fundraising, JDRF Board membership, and leadership. Our friends and family have
donated their time and money to support us, JDRF, and the quest for a cure and
a “normal” life. Over that time, we have raised close to $500,000 for
diabetes research, and we'll pass that milestone this year.
Any
success we've had as a Walk team and the funds that have been raised are a
tribute to those who have been touched by my experience, or their own
experience. However, even with that success, there is still ongoing
research to be done and your donations and support will give the scientists and
doctors the funds needed to continue their research.
The
JDRF endgame has many goals - finding a cure can take different forms.
Smart insulin, artificial pancreas, stem cell therapy, and beta cell
transplantation are only a few of the areas where funds are focused.
Thank
you again for your support and taking the time to read this short update.
If you want to hear more, just let us know. Below is a link to join
us at the JDRF Walk at the Rose Bowl on October 30, 2016. We’d love to
have you walk with us, but if not, please show your support with a donation –
any amount is appreciated.
To join
us at the Walk or to make a donation in any amount, just click the link below.
If you’d prefer to send a check by mail send an email to paulgshap@gmail.com and
we’ll get you the information.
Thank
you!
Jess
Shapiro
Captain,
Jessica’s J-Walkers
Paul
& Janice Shapiro
Co-Captains
No comments:
Post a Comment