Get ready for the longest post in blogging history! I felt like our journey with Team Hank was never ending this year. I was asked to be the walk chairman of the Utah County Walk to Cure Diabetes this year so my preparations started in May. In addition to the planning for walk day, I felt even more pressure to raise the bar with my fundraising efforts this year. I have to admit it feels good to be more and more involved every year. I've met so many incredible families and it's inspiring. Hank was asked to speak at a staff party for Rita's Ice. They were launching their sneaker campaign and he was supposed to tell about his journey with diabetes. His nerves got the best of him, so I talked while he stood by me. Later that week we paid a visit to Rita's for some ice cream and were thrilled to see how many sneakers they sold! I guess our pep talk worked.
I sent the following letter to our friends and family to jump start our fundraising.
My Dearest Family and Friends-
Team Hank is back and ready for the Walk to Cure Diabetes 2014! We’re
excited to raise even more money for this cause that is so near and dear to
us. I have become more involved with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
this past year and am currently the Walk Chairman for the Utah County Walk to
Cure Diabetes, which will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the Shops at
Riverwoods in Provo. For those of you who came last year, you know what
an awesome experience it was. We rocked the walk with our awesome Team
Hank shirts! The unity and support Hank felt that day has definitely
carried him through another year of dealing with this disease.
Those of you who see Hank and our family regularly know that no matter
where we are, diabetes seems to always be a factor. Hank never has a
baseball game, a vacation, or a holiday without the constant worry of his blood
sugar levels. As hard as we try to make things normal for him, it’s hard
to avoid the negative side effects that come with Type 1 diabetes.
Diagnosed at age 6, Hank has lived with diabetes for the past 3 1/2 years.
Every day of those 3 ½ years, he has endured at least 10 finger pokes, 6-10
insulin injections or site changes, and counting every carb that goes into his
mouth. Randy and I get up to monitor his blood sugar while he sleeps each
night. Through it all, Hank manages to keep a smile on his face and
roll with the punches. He always gives 110% at everything he does and won’t
let his diabetes stop him from living life to the fullest.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle, and there is
nothing you can do to prevent it. Currently, there is no cure. People with T1D
must manage the disease by injecting or pumping insulin several times a day,
every day. But insulin is not a cure, and it does not prevent the possibility
of serious complications like kidney failure, blindness, and stroke.
Where Does Money Raised Go?
JDRF raises funds for research that will progressively remove the daily
burden, side effects, and complications of T1D. I have joined the JDRF Walk to
Cure Diabetes to raise as much money as I can for the research that will
help Hank continue to live a healthier and safer life while scientists
search for a cure. JDRF is currently funding more than 50 clinical trials
that will drastically improve Hank’s quality of life, including an artificial
pancreas, beta cell regeneration and encapsulation, and smart insulin.
They are also diligently working on ways to prevent Type 1 in people who are
high risk for developing the disease. Our middle child, Max, has been
tested and is high risk and will undergo testing later this year to determine
if/when he will get diabetes.
How to Donate
JDRF is making meaningful progress because of gifts like yours. Any amount,
great or small, brings JDRF closer to its goal of moving scientific advances
from the laboratory to clinical trials and into the hands of people with
T1D. Last year we were able to raise $4,200 for JDRF, so I’ve upped the
ante this year and set our goal at $5,000.
Of course we would love everyone to join us this year at the Walk.
I’m toying with the idea of new shirts for everyone who comes. It will be
so much fun for the entire family. There is no need to register for the
walk unless you chose to fundraise for Team Hank. I have some exciting
fundraising events coming up, and I will keep everyone posted on when those
are. Tenny’s Pizza in Saratoga Springs will also be selling JDRF sneakers
for $1, and all proceeds will go to Team Hank.
Lastly, take a minute and watch the attached video, My Hero. The music was provided by my incredible
dad who wrote a song dedicated to Hank.
I can’t express my gratitude adequately to all of you for your love and
support for our family. We truly have the greatest friends and family on
the planet. Much love to you all!
Annie
I have to give mad props to my dad this year. His song generated most of the money donated. It tugs at the heart string like nothing else could. In addition to our letter, we had 2 fundraising events thanks to my incredible neighbors and Sarah and Brett.
Our first fundraiser raised nearly 1,000 bucks. My dear friends Natalie and Erica organized and pulled off an incredibly successful yard sale. Everything was donated by either them or our neighbors. We had such a great turn out. I was blown away by all the hard work and effort on behalf of my kid. It truly touched me.
Sarah and Brett made our next fundraiser possible by donating their Wave Runners attraction and their entire Saturday. The amount of work that when into this event was no joke.
Randy had a little too much fun filling up the pool.
Lehi city gave us permission to set up our attraction on the lawn at Vet's Park. I thought it was a genius location since there were flag football games going on all day long. Unfortunately we didn't get many flag football players or fans to ride. Good thing my amazing friends and family stepped up and supported us.
The fire hydrant we used had dirtier water coming out of it than we planned. Good thing you don't actually get wet when you ride. I think you'd get a disease from swimming in this water.
These cuties stood on the sidewalk and tried to drum up some business.
How could you just drive by these cute kids? Isabel was shocked she didn't get anyone to turn around.
We had incredible support from the T1D community. Here is Hank and Cole who share this horrible disease.
There's no one I'd rather spend the day with than these two.
We ended up raising $500 bucks that day! I really don't know how I can ever repay Sarah and Brett for all their efforts. Their love and support for Hank and my family is overwhelming. We couldn't be more lucky to have them in our corner. After months of fundraising our grand total raised on walk day was $7,230 to JDRF. I couldn't be more proud of that number. We exceeded our original goal by over $2,000! Our family and friends are the best ever.
I was nervous all week looking at the weather forecast for the walk. We were bracing for one of the worst storms of the year. The show had to go on so I went about my business the day before getting things picked up for the next day. Ever wonder what 1,500 yogurts look like?
My sweet mom came with me to pick up the biggest order of yogurt I've ever seen as well as 2,000 cookies from Paradise Bakery. Thankfully, my darling parents help me round up 12 huge coolers to put all this yogurt in. I don't want to see another container of yogurt for a year after this! After the yogurt was properly stored in coolers, my dad, Randy and I headed to Partyland to load the truck with tables, chairs, tents, and games. I also went out and bought as many rain ponchos as I could find. I couldn't sleep a wink as I listened to the booming thunder and torrential downpour that night. All our preparation and planning was about to be ruined by the stupid weather.
Randy and I made our way to the Riverwoods Saturday morning to help set up. The rain had subsided and our spirits were up. I was overwhelmed by being in charge of setting up the event. Luckily we had lots of volunteers show up to help us. The rain would start and stop but I was hopeful. Unfortunately, an hour before the walk started, the downpour started up again. The inflatables couldn't go up, the princesses and mascots canceled, our face painters no showed and no participants had arrived by 8:30. I was overcome with emotion and stress and then I saw my cute grandparents walk up.
I completely lost it. It was an emotional release I needed to carry on with the rest of the day. Something about seeing these faces just makes me feel like everything is going to be ok. \
One by one, everyone showed up. Team Hank could not be stopped. I'm still amazed by our turnout.
Hank's future in-laws
Max's future in-laws
Hank's surrogate family
I seriously couldn't have pulled this off without my parents. I have to mention that my mom was part of our amazing walk committee this year. She endured countless meetings and coordinated all the entertainment for walk day.
Auntie Kunz was the only on who could get a smile out of Sam.
She is a miracle worker!
The rain let up just in time for the walk! What a huge relief.
Team Hank was a force to be reckoned with.
Jeri not only did the entire 2 mile walk with a broken foot but managed to snap most of these great photos. I seriously lucked out in the mother in law department! Scott took all of the following walk pictures.
The break in the weather continued while we ate lunch. As the walk chairman I was most pleased with the new walk route and the food delivery to the family village. They were both nice touches and took the focus off everything else that went wrong that day. Utah County also managed to raise $150,000, exceeding everyones expectations.
Here are some post walk photos...
Team Hank took home the top fundraising team award!
That trophy made all our efforts worth it.
I found the box of hair dye just before everyone got ready to leave. It was a walk must for Hank. I'm so bummed I didn't get a picture of Sam's hair. He chose black for his hair color. It looked hilarious.
Love these crazy Crott's kids.
Wedding video pic.
This post has exhausted me almost as much as the walk did! It was all worth it though. I'd do anything to help find a cure for this horrible disease. The research coming out is so encouraging but like everything, it needs money to continue. I'm proud of my work and overcome with emotion. I am surrounded by the most incredible support system. Dispite the inclimate weather, the day was a perfect celebration. Hank was honored as he should be. This kid goes through more than any kid should ever have to. I will continue my post as walk chairman next year and I will never stop fighting for my sweet Hank. Diabetes is going down!
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