Hank's Pitching Debut and an Important Announcement

The Cardinals played in the State Tournament earlier this month and gave it their all.  They won their first game in dramatic style.  After being behind the entire game, the come back kids rallied and Hank found himself up to bat at a critical moment.  The tying run was on third and Hank's hit got him home!  It was so exciting I could hardly wait for the next game.  

Unfortunately the team they played had a bit more luck with the bat than we did.  It wasn't a must win game and we needed to save our pitchers for the next day so they called Hank in to pitch!

He looked so little up there.  I watched in amazement as he walked up to the mound, full of confidence.  He struck the first two batters out!  I'm so glad my dad was there to see it.

It was extremely emotional for me to watch.  About halfway through the inning he was holding his side in pain.  I asked him what was wrong and he told me his pump site was digging into him.  Randy called timeout and ran onto the field, pulled out his site, and he continued pitching.  That is the worst part of being a Type 1 diabetic.  Diabetes is always present, always a factor, always trying to mess up my darling little Hank's life and I hate it! Bless his little heart, he finished the inning.  I really couldn't have been more proud in that moment. They ended up taking 5th overall in the tournament and Hank played the best he's played all season. 

While I'm on the topic of how amazing Hank is and how awful diabetes is, it's time for our Team Hank fundraiser for JDRF.  I've really involved myself this year and I'm inspired by the incredible people I've met.  The Juvenille Diabetes Research Fund is doing more to find a cure for this terrible disease than any other organization.  The following is the letter I e-mailed to friends and family and put on facebook.  Here is the link to our Team Hank page http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/teamhank

Family and Friends-

I must begin this letter by expressing my profound gratitude and love to everyone who supported Hank and our little family last year in the American Diabetes Association's walk.  Team Hank raised 2.875.00, surpassing our goal of 2,000.00!  This year, our fundraising efforts are being directed to the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes. Since Hank has Type 1 or juvenile diabetes, that is where I want our money to go.  Type 1 diabetes is a life-threatening autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin - a hormone essential to the ability to get energy from food. It strikes both children and adults suddenly and changes life as they know it forever. It cannot be prevented and there is no cure.

JDRF is the largest nongovernmental funder of T1D research and the only global organization with a strategic research plan to fight T1D. This science is complex and costly, and every dollar JDRF is able to direct toward research comes from donors like you.  

Hank was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on March 28. 2011.  Our life as we new it changed drastically in that very instant.  Randy and I decided early on that we would do whatever it took to make sure this disease didn't stop Hank from doing everything he wanted to do.  I'm happy to say we've been able to make good on that promise.  However, there is an insane amount of planning, sleepless nights, and hard work going on behind the scenes to make that happen.  I also rely on Hank to be more responsible and brave than any 8 year should ever have to be.  He is poking his finger at least 10 times a day, enduring countless shots and site changes, and counting every carb that passes his lips.  Unfortunately he's had to grow up a little faster than most kids his age and realize just how fragile his health can be.  There isn't a moment in the day when I'm not thinking or worried about Hank's diabetes.  I worry for my other children all the time, as their risk of developing this disease is also high.  

I wish so badly I could take this burden from Hank.  Raising money for JDRF makes me feel like I'm doing something to find a cure for this awful disease.  Randy and I are committed to keeping Hank healthy and free from all the possible side effects that come with diabetes until that cure becomes a reality. 

Please donate as generously as you can.  I've increased our team goal to 3,500.00 this year and I just know with all your help we can meet that goal and do our part.  The walk this year is going to be in Provo at the Riverwoods and it will be a lot of fun for the whole family.  Please join Team Hank as we Walk to a Cure!

We couldn't do all we do without all your love and support.  We are surrounded by so many incredible people.

Thank you and much love!

Randy and Annie Griffin