Ok, I have so much to tell you...I don't even know where to start!

All last week I knew that Saturday was going to be jammed packed for me.  Diabetes walk in the morning, bully c-section at noon & Mac training in the evening.  That's right, I said Mac training...after our love for our iPhones, we decided to try a Mac...but it's...hard.  So I need training.  My friend was going to come over....Oh wait, you wanted to know about the bully c-section....oh that's a different story.

Mary's bully girl (Maisy) was going in for her c-section on Saturday at noon.  Mary had asked me to come watch so Vivi's wouldn't be my first c-section I see.  Note: Vivi is not preggers or anything like that, but just to get me prepped for someday, the possibility of Vivi's c-section...I just couldn't let hers be my first...I'll be too freaked out as it is & we all know I'm medically challenged as a whole!  Anyway, so Maisy's c-section was scheduled at noon & I knew with the walk at 8am & the c-section at noon, it was going to be close, but I could totally make it work.

However, I got a good does of BullyReproductionReality!  Maisy's milk hadn't come in yet even by Friday night & while I did sleep with my phone right next to me (all prepared to go in the middle of the night--just like in the movies) & had dreams of the puppies, Saturday morning it was decided that the c-section was NOT going to be on Saturday.  All the factors...milk supply, temperture dropping, panting, etc...were not there.  So the c-section was rescheduled for Monday.

Unfortunately, this was not determined until 745am & I knew I could never make it to the Mall of America for Destin's Dream Team walk for Diabetes!  However, almost 70 people did walk for Destin!  Can you imagine?!  70!!  My parents said that the MOA was PACKED with walkers Saturday!  The most they've ever seen!  Well yeah, if you bring 70 people to walk with you, it's gonna be packed!!  So thank you once again to all who donated!  Destin did make her goal with the help of you!  Now here's hoping diabetes can be cured too!

Here's a photo of the 2010 Destin's Dream Team:

Up next...the rest of what I want to tell you!!

If you think a bully is determined...you've never met Destin!!

Today's post is not about my bulldogs, my love for Disney, or even my beloved Betty (iPhone).  No, today's post will be a little more personal & a completely shameless plug for pledges!  That's right, I'm asking for money...it's not for me, it's not even for a bulldog, but instead it's for the fight against Type I Diabetes.

Type I, or Juvenile Diabetes, is when your body stops producing the appropriate amounts of insulin for your body to absorb carbohydrates (sugars) once consumed. Type 1 diabetes is not linked to obesity or diet control.  Therefore,  Type 1 diabetics are insulin dependent.  This requires checking yourself multiple times a day and receiving insulin anytime food is consumed either via injections or a pump.

Yeah, ok, my knees just totally hurt typing that...see, I'm medically-challenged.  I hate all things medical related...like hearing about broken bones, needles, blood pressure being taken...they make my knees hurt.  I don't know why, but they do.  My family knows this about me & will preface any conversation with "oh Jen, this will probably hurt your knees."  This all being said, I can't imagine what it would be like to have Type I diabetes, having to give yourself insulin shots throughout the day...I couldn't do it...but my niece, Destin has no choice.

Destin who is almost 8 1/2 years old, was diagnosed with Type I diabetes shortly after she turned 5 years old.  FIVE!!  FIVE!!  I mean, a five-year-old may have just learned to tie their shoes, right?  Maybe knows their ABCs or in Destin's case, the square root of Pi (she's BEYOND smart--I think she reconfigured my brother's PC when she was about 18 months old--oops).  But to have to learn all about insulin, sugars, carbs, needles, finger pricks, "honeymoon stages", fingers pointing at her food on the plate figuring out how many carbs are in it....at FIVE!!  WOW!

Sounds pretty awful to an aunt who can't even tolerate looking at her omnipod insulin dispenser without thinking, "omg I hope that thing doesn't rip out!"  But for Destin, my brother & my sister-in-law, there is no choice here!!  Destin has this condition & they'll do whatever they can to have her live a "normal" life!

While my parents have admitted that they've mistakenly called Destin "Jenny" numerous times over the years since she reminds them of me..."Jenny Jr"....to which I say, "you say it like it's a bad thing!?", I know Destin is about a BIZZILON times stronger than I am!  She loves school...in particular math!  She's got talent that you wouldn't believe when it comes to dancing!  She's a dancing machine & at the age of 6 was already dancing in Competition (psst-this is not a Jenny trait by any stretch of the imagination)!  She loves to perform & really excels at it...all the while wearing her insulin pump!  Amazing!!

NOTHING is going to stop this little powerhouse!  Not even Type I diabetes!

On February 27th,  one of the nation’s largest JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) walks will be taking place at the Mall of America. This is an annual walk to raise money to help find a cure for diabetes.  Researchers have been able to successfully make rat’s insulin free and human studies and tests are ongoing as well. There are many new discoveries happening each and every year and someday soon, there will be a cure.


This will be the 4th time walking as Destin’s Dream Team and so far we have a team of almost 25 walkers signed up as a part of “Destin’s Dream Team”. Destin’s dream is to be Insulin free.

Below is an email from my brother, Destin's proud dad.  If you can, please give whatever you can to help reach Destin's dream of being insulin free!
Thanks!

As all of you parents know, you’ll do anything for your kids. As Destin’s dad, I want to make her  dream come true.  I have long lived by the saying, “You can never have a dream come true, if you’ve never had a dream at all.”  I’m personally reaching out to you, to ask if you wish to donate, please see the link below to help Destin’s dream come true.

The more donations we get, the closer we will get to fulfilling Destin’s dream. Many corporate sponsors will be providing matching donations for the walk as well, so every dollar counts. If we surpass our goal, even better!

We know that this past year has been extremely tough for many of us, but know that every dollar will help bring a cure closer to reality. Even $5 brings us closer.

If you are local to MN, we’d love to have you join us for the walk. You can register to walk at the link below. The bigger the group of walkers the better! We’re hoping for a group of over 50 people this year!

Thanks in advance everyone for the time and consideration.

Donation Link

On behalf of Destin and the millions of other people suffering from Type 1 diabetes, Thank You.