If you’re reading this, then you know my brother Will was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was already away at college when he was diagnosed, so I haven’t seen the day-to-day struggles of living with type 1 diabetes or the roller coaster that comes along with dealing with a chronic incurable disease. However, my parents and brother deal with this roller coaster of blood sugar highs and lows daily.

I know the struggles exist, but my family rarely complains. My mom might say, “Last night was a little rough.” But, then the conversation changes and she starts asking me twenty questions about me and my life. It’s easy for me to provide my family with a distraction from their normal routine, but there’s no denying that diabetes takes its mental and physical toll on everyone.

Here’s the deal with chronic diseases, especially when it involves children: through fundraising events, marketing, and stories, we celebrate the children and families who have been afflicted with diseases such as type 1 diabetes or cancer. We make them feel like the rock stars and heroes they truly are; however, the glamour fades away. Day in and day out, families and children deal with these diseases and their repercussions head-on, and while it’s important to celebrate their strength, it’s also crucial to realize that there’s always a not so pretty side of every disease. There are times when families and diabetics doubt their strength and their ability to keep on fighting.

Kids dealing with type 1 diabetes get down on themselves. They cry. Parents question their ability to raise their multiple children. They cry. And sometimes, they forget how to take care of themselves. They need a pep talk sometimes. This is the not so pretty side. If you give to Will’s Way, or pediatric cancer, or to whatever cause tugs at your heartstrings, I applaud you. Thank you for giving, thank you for standing up for those who need better medications, more supplies, life-saving equipment, and that extra little push to keep fighting.

Keep standing for them. Keep remembering those who you gave to and why you did, because your monetary gift can help alleviate the not so pretty side of this 24-7 disease.

If you’ve given to Will’s Way never forget Jacob!

This is Jacob Andrews.  He is the 14 year old boy who received our  first grant.  He was diagnosed at age 2.  His mom has wanted to get him a pump for years, but was unable to do so due to a high deductible.  She is a teacher in Lynn, Indiana.  Now, thanks to you, he has been pumping since August and enjoys a more “normal” lifestyle.  Now he is controlling diabetes, diabetes is not controlling him!