This is my sister Mary. She looks like any normal fifteen year old, but there is more to her than you can see. In 2004, Mary was diagnosed with type one juvenile diabetes. This means that her body cannot produce insulin, a hormone that aides the process of moving sugar from the blood to the cells, because her body attacks her pancreas, where insulin is produced. Because her body cannot produce insulin, she has to inject it(via a shot) into her body in order to maintain a regular blood sugar and stay healthy several times a day. Not only is this painful and inconvenient, but Mary is often teased because of her diabetes. And the worst part about it is that there is no cure for diabetes.

That’s why JDRF was established. JDRF stands for Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, and their mission is to find a cure for type one diabetes. Each year throughout the nation they host the Walk to Cure Diabetes to raise funds for this crucial research, and ever since Mary has been diagnosed my family has participated in the Walk. This year, our team, Mary’s Melodies, is trying to raise $1,000 to donate to JDRF by the walk. My personal goal is to raise $500 because I desire to see in my lifetime a cure for diabetes. I love my sister with all my heart and I want the best for her. I want her to live a completely normal life without constant doctors appointments and shots and sacrifice.

Would you consider donating to JDRF in our teams name? There is no minimum amount to donate, and every penny you donate goes directly to the research for a cure for diabetes. You can donate towards my personal fundraising goal of $500 by clicking here. 

If you have no money to give, please reblog this post to raise awareness of type one juvenile diabetes. The warning signs can appear suddenly and knowing these warning signs can help to save a life.