Three years ago we had the scare of our lives. Our 13 year-old active teenage boy was sick, very sick. He had lost over 10 pounds in a week, was urinating way more than normal, had no energy and complained of stomach pains. Seeking medical help we took him to an urgent care provider and received the diagnosis of strep throat and were given antibiotics and told to push fluids.

Eight hours later we found ourselves at the Emergency Room with the pediatric emergency doctor advising me she would do everything she could to save our son.

He couldn’t breathe, was incoherent and projectile vomiting. Even though we rushed him to the ER, by the time we arrived he was in full Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) with a blood glucose of over 648 and a pulse rate of 195. It seemed like it all happened so fast! The doctor’s told us he was the sickest person in the ER that night and was immediately admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. We spent four long nights there and he received wonderful care. We were so lucky.

I never want another parent to go through what we went through that night. We were fortunate to have great doctors and educators that prepared us for this new life of Type 1 Diabetes. Our family became involved with the DiaBEATes Alliance to help spread awareness, give support and be a positive resource for the diabetic community.

Our son is now 16, stands a proud 6 feet 3 inches, plays tackle football, loves to fish, build things and spend time with friends and family. He is leading as normal as a life as he can. But every day we have to think like a pancreas to keep him alive. We are thankful for modern technology and the support of the community. Joining the Alliance was our way to pay it forward.