Working to Cure Diabetes

This is a tough post for me to write, however I feel it is worth the
effort. We all have cards to play out in life; some hands are tougher
than others. The tragedy going on in Florida right now, the war in Iraq
and the families affected. You just have to read the paper to see what
is going on in the world. My story is probably no different than many
others, but since it affects my life, I feel the need to reach out and
share.
My youngest son Michael, who is 12 years old, was diagnosed with Type 1
Diabetes at age 4. Michael has to get his blood tested 6-8 times a day,
and gets 3-4 shots of insulin daily. Many times either my wife or I
will have to get up in the middle of the night to check his blood so
his sugar doesn’t get too low. It has been tough for our family dealing
with decease, but Michael has been a soldier through it all. The
devastating effects of Type 1 are serious and life threatening. Ron
Santo has lost both his legs already to Type 1 Diabetes. Other long-
term effects are heart decease, blindness, nerve damage, kidney
failure, and amputations. As a parent, I try to care for Michael on a
daily basis and try to live in the moment; thinking about his future
would only lead to depression. The one positive thing we do as a family
for everyone that suffers from this deadly decease is we raise money
during the Ron Santo Walk to Cure Diabetes. Last year just by sending
out letters like this one, we brought in over $10,000. The Juvenile
Diabetes Research Foundation is rated as one of the top charities
giving over .90 for every dollar toward the work needed to find a cure.
Last year one of my customers that I did some detailing work for sent
me a check for $1,000, so you never know who will reach out. PLEASE DO
NOT FEEL OBLIGATED IN ANY WAY. As I have said before, we all have
problems to deal with. This is a mission I’m committed to in hope they
come up with a cure in Michael’s lifetime. Perfect Auto Finish is an
active sponsor as well. For anyone that feels compelled to help us
during this time, I would like to send you a free micro fiber towel.
Please makes checks payable to the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Mail to Michael Kouba 255 Heritage Roselle IL 60172

 

Thanks to everyone who has already responded, over $1,000 in. Just started sending out letters last week. Pretty nice start. Gary