I am absolutely ecstatic that I leave for Mrs. International in just a few short days! I have been working very hard for JDRF and wanted to give you a monthly update.
I have met so many amazing newly diagnosed families through visiting local hospitals. I am growing my diabetic family by the day. My buddy Justyn has been released from the hospital and is currently getting prosthetic fingers and legs! He has overcome the worst and is still moving forward without a worry! He was diagnosed with type 1 this spring and had to have multiple amputations due to severe DKA (diabetic keto-acidosis). My little pal Evan is 6 years old and was also just diagnosed. He is now learning how to give himself his own shots. He is a little baby doll. I have been working with 3 newly diagnosed type 1 adults as well. We are building up their cooking skills with some of my fabulous diabetic friendly recipes.
My diabetic cookbook is coming right along. I am holding a potluck for the diabetic community in September so we can all get together and try out our favorite diabetic friendly dishes. I will be adding our favorites to my cookbook. I have also been working with JDRF executive marketing team on scheduling more speaking engagments and activities for JDRF. They will be cheering me on from New York next week. I am so blessed to have their love and support.
I had so much fun at camp Kno Koma, a week long camp for diabatic children ages 7-15. It's such an amazing place for parents to send their child to a place where everyone else is just like they are. My Maddy has been attending camp for 6 years now. She will be applying for a youth assistant for next year to help the younger children throughout the week. The West Virginia JDRF branch and camp Kno Koma are partnering together in October for a symposium for the children. We can't wait!!
School will be back in full swing in just a few weeks. I have many events in store for schools around the state. I will be holding more Kids Walk for a Cure, teen dances, and Spirit Weeks. It is truly rewarding when a child can tell me why they are raising awareness for diabetes. They retain what we talk about and are able to spread the word by selling paper sneakers for JDRF, then celebrating with our Walk for a Cure for Diabetes. Life just doesn't get batter then that!
I look forward to meeting the 70 women in Jacksonville next week. I thank God everyday for being blessed to be a part of the International system. Dale and I are so ready to take on our passion for JDRF to the International level!
You can follow more from Judy at either of these sites:
www.diabeticfamilies.com
www.judysdiabeticresources.
