Veteran’s Day, Diabetes and a Book Giveaway

I have to start today’s post with a shout out to veterans. “Thank you for what you do!”  We appreciate your sacrifices! Several weeks ago I did a post about a veteran from a nearby county who received the Medal of Honor. His name is Dakota Meyer and if you haven’t heard about him click here.

Life With Diabetes

Earlier in the week I mentioned that this is Diabetes awareness month. The following article was written by a former student of mine. Hannah is now a high school student and I’m sure you will agree that she is a beautiful young lady. This is her story written in her words.

by Hannah Thompson

“You have juvenile diabetes.” Not something you hear every day, right? These were the words that changed my life. At the age of nine, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. My doctor, Dr. Moss, explained that my pancreas had stopped functioning and was no longer producing insulin for my body.

Immediately I was sent to the best hospital for kids with diabetes, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. They quickly showed me and my family everything I needed to know, from taking shots to counting carbs.

My everyday life with diabetes has become a routine. Before I eat breakfast I check my blood sugar, and afterwards take a shot. I repeat the same process for lunch and supper. At night I check my blood sugar once more and take a bedtime shot. I also check my blood sugar when I think it might be high or low. My blood sugars often change my moods easily. They can make me a completely different person at times.

At first it was hard for my family to take it all in and adjust. My mom has been my rock since day one. She was the one who stayed strong for me, even when I knew she was just as shocked and scared as I was. She stayed with me and learned right along my side. My mom has made so many sacrifices for me, and I don’t know if she will ever know how grateful I really am. She truly is my angel and I couldn’t do it without her. My sister, Nanny, and Mimi has also been extremely supportive and surrounded me with love when I needed it the most.

Besides my family I couldn’t do it without my friends. They pick me up on my worst days. My best friend, Cassie South, has been there for me since day one. Not including my family, she has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Throughout my middle and high school Hannah Morrison and Kelly Coleman have been my helpers making sure my blood sugar is where it needs to be, I take my shots, and check my blood sugar.

With diabetes you have to understand it comes with short and long term effects. Recently, my diabetes has affected my kidneys. I have been going back and forth to the doctor more frequently for test. They have been testing and watching for early signs of kidney failure.

There are a lot of ups and downs with diabetes. Some days I don’t think to much about it, other days its really hard to handle. In the end diabetes has really made me a stronger person and helped me to realize how lucky I am.

I am currently raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. To help you can make donations or buy sneakers, which is the symbol for Type One Diabetes. Anything is very much appreciated. If you would like to help, please click here to donate.  Thank you for everyone’s help, support, and listening to my story.  Hannah

 

Finally, tomorrow is the day of the NanaHood book giveaway.

Here’s how to enter: You can enter your name up to three times. To do so you must do the following 3 things and then let me know by commenting the same number of times you entered! In other words, if you follow me GFC and nothing else, just enter one comment. If you do GFC and Facebook-leave two comments. Etc.

1. You must follow my blog via Google Friend Connect.

2. “Like” NanaHood and the Nana Blogs Facebook page.

3. Add us on twitter @nanablogs

Then leave me a comment and tell me what you did and how I can find you.