I have been the mother and part-time pancreas of two boys for the past 21 years. If you think it’s challenging raising boys, imagine what it is like to be an organ for both of them as well. With our health and child care systems such as they are, you can imagine what a working mother of two has had to do in order to keep her sons, who both have Type One diabetes, alive. I have had a lifetime full of battling with health insurance carriers over what brands and supplies are covered with prescriptions, not to mention the constant stress of dealing with blood sugar levels of my children.

This is my second time around having to raise a child with Juvenile Type One Diabetes. When my first child was diagnosed, I was lost and confused and couldn't understand why. There was so much information to download training had to be done prior to leaving the hospital to make sure I knew how to care for my son. I cried and prayed many nights still trying to understand why.

The second time around, I was sad that my baby would have to go through all of this as well but I was relieved to know that I had to knowledge to be able to care for him. Both of my sons have been soldiers and hardly complain and just do what is necessary to stay well.

I do everything I can to help other parents and advocate for Type One children: I did a talk on Dealing with the Emotional Roller coaster children with Type One Juvenile Diabetes experience at a previous Type One Nation Summit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I am currently on the planning committee for the Type One Nation Summit for the upcoming year, and I operate as a Volunteer Outreach worker for JDRF and mentor new families that are newly diagnosed. My oldest son never wanted to participate in the JDRF functions but now I have the opportunity to introduce my 5 year old at an early age. This gives him an opportunity to socialize with other children of his age that also have the same diagnosis. For me as a parent it allows me to do the same with the parents.

I would love to be able to continue to encourage families that are newly diagnosed and those that have no idea of the signs and symptoms to look for. Another barrier I will address includes speaking and educating the daycare organizations and encouraging them to get their staff educated and trained in this area so Type One children have the opportunity to socialize with their peers and attend daycare prior to entering grade school.

I am the Co-Founder of an awesome organization Elite Speakers were we offer a platform for men and women to share their story. If you are interested go to www.esps.life

I challenge you that have children with Special Needs to become active and advocate in the area of their need. I truly believe that you reap what you sow and if you sow your time in energy in that area God will make sure you harvest.

www.jdrf.org

www.abundanceofhope.com

www.chikeithaowens.com

www.esps.life