JDRF Gala.....

This weekend, my wife and I were honored to attend the JDRF Gala held in Jacksonville Florida. It was really a pretty amazing event. They had a silent auction that was huge!
There were hundreds in attendance and I know that they had a very positive fundraiser in the $ column. Everyone was very kind and it was a lot of fun. Thanks to the folks at the local Jacksonville Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
I was espescially touched by a picture they showed on the projector screen of a little guy who was probably 3 or 4 and was getting an injection in the back of his arm. The look on his face really got to me. It is interesting as I was diagnosed at 13 months....I was that kid a long time ago, and I have never been bothered by the i njections or any of the process. As a parent however, the picture of that little guy really got to me......I'm not sure why all of a sudden I was hit by the dramatic heartfelt sympathy for the little boy.
Well, the good news is, technology and science is making huge inroads on D and this little guy will probably be cured in his lifetime.
Keep going..................Peace, Bob

Press Release sent today to try and help the parents of diabetics and their children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
BOB HAWKINSON

SOON,……...NERVOUS PARENTS ACROSS
AMERICA WILL BE SENDING THEIR
DIABETIC CHILD OFF TO SCHOOL

IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF WORRIED
PARENTS SHOULD BE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO ENSURE A SAFE AND EASY TRANSITION OF THEIR CHILD INTO THE CLASSROOM.

“Children and parents alike should be getting ready for the move from home to school.” So says Bob Hawkinson, author, and a lifelong insulin dependant diabetic of 44 years. “Children may be used to Mom and Dad making sure they are doing everything they need to do. These kids will now be faced with being more self reliant as they move into the classroom. Mom and Dad won’t be there with them all day to make decisions for them.” It can be quite a daunting time for parent and child alike.

Here’s some tips to help prepare your child and their school for the arrival of your diabetic child:

1. Constantly and consistently encourage self managing by the child. He or she needs to
learn what to be on guard for, and what to do. It is a skill set that must be encouraged.
2. Discuss your child’s special needs with all the teachers and staff that may be making
decisions regarding your child’s health. Don’t assume they know anything about
diabetes. Teachers, coaches, administrators, nurses, substitute teachers, and bus
drivers should all be aware of what your child’s needs are.
3. Make sure your 504 plan is up to date. (section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the
American with Disabilities Act). It may state that your child needs to carry their
glucose meter with them, or are allowed extra bathroom breaks, or can eat in class if
needed. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation has resources available such as
Back to School Kits and How to Build Your 504 Plan, that can help you. www.jdrf.org.
4. Your child should carry their own carbohydrate source with them as they move
throughout classes during the day. A relationship with the school nurse is also
recommended, and the nurse should have training in administering glucagon.
5. Don’t just accept what someone tells you if it doesn’t seem right. Does your child’s
glucose meter really have to be at the nurses station? Dig deeper, and be your child’s
advocate. No one will look out for your child like you will.

With all the stresses of new classes, new friends, changes in activity, and making their own decisions more often, children can be overwhelmed. They need some direction, support, and reassurance from their parents, their teachers, and their schools.

Bob’s book “The Joy of Diabetes” is not only inspiring, but it also educates with a light hearted and pithy approach. Bob, who is 45, was diagnosed Type 1 (juvenile diabetes) at age 1. His goal is to “help other diabetics grab hold of this disease by the horns and wrestle it to the ground.” To order his book, go to www.joyofdiabetes.com .

For an entertaining and informative interview, call Bob
# # #