Our son, Joash is 16 years old. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in March of 2024. Just shy of a year from diagnosis, we were blessed to be able to fundraise enough to cover the travel expenses associated with a medical trial treatment for Type 1 Diabetes. Unfortunately, the treatment was unsuccessful in reversing his diabetes, though it has proven successful in other cases.

One of the challenges faced by Type 1 Diabetics is the management of blood sugar levels, especially in the teen and young adult years. The combination of hormones, growing bodies and autoimmune disease can be incredibly difficult to balance. While Joash uses a Continuous Glucose Monitor to keep track of his blood sugars and an insulin pump to mitigate some of the burnout associated with the disease, the tech is not always reliable.

There have been countless nights where his monitor read high and he was low. There have been just as many when his monitor alerted low when he was high. There have been so very many times when it read accurately and Joash didn't hear the alarm and his physical symptoms prevented him from waking independently to bring his blood sugars to a normal level.

Diabetic Alert Dogs are highly trained assistance dogs. They are trained to recognize changes in plasma and blood glucose levels and can be trained in medical supply retrieval. In many cases, Diabetic Alert Dogs smell changes in blood sugars and are able to alert their handler to those changes as early as 30 minutes before a CGM does. They are trained to continue alerting, in physical ways, until their handler well, handles the situation. Often, the outcome is better management of blood sugar levels and lower A1C (meaning lower risk of long term affects).

We are hoping to raise $50,000 to cover the cost of obtaining a diabetic alert dog as well as the ongoing costs associated with the care and training of a diabetic alert dog. Part of the funds raised will go towards the travel needed for Joash and a guardian to train with and be assessed for compatibility. The rest will cover estimated food, upkeep, veterinary services, and ongoing training each year until Joash graduates from college.

We are hopeful that we will be approved for a grant for the cost of the initial training and the dog itself, although the need may arise to have to cover that cost as well.

Thank you for loving our family so well and for contributing financially and through prayer.