In March of 2024, we were headed to Springfield to participate in Nationals basketball tournament for Joash's basketball team. We were all excited to get to go.

Looking back, early symptoms were there- severe thirst, fatigue, headaches, mood changes. At the time I attribited it to normal teen fluctuations.

Just days after we returned from Nationals, Joash had visibly lost weight (9 lbs over a weekend). He was so drained of energy, lethargic and struggling to eat.

We took him to the ER and received the news that it was Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where the body attacks the Beta cells produced by thhe pancreas. Beta cells are responsible for making insulin, which is necessary to allow sugar into the body's cells to be used as energy. When the body no longer makes insulin, the sugar builds up in the blood and the body begins eating fat and muscle for energy. 

There is currently no cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

We recently heard of a clinical trial that has the potential to reverse Joash's T1D. In early October we spoke with the doctor who developed the treatment and had labs done.  

On November 1st we received the news that Joash has been accepted into the trial.  This trial will take place in December and will require a 5 day stay in New Jersey.  While Joash will receive the treatment for free, we will be responsible for the costs of our travel, food and lodging.  All funds raised will go towards these expenses.