Clear Creek

As I mentioned in my previous post, Brett went above and beyond the call of duty to help us out when we discovered Max's diabetes.  Hank has been anxiously awaiting Clear Creek with the 5th grade for years.  Since there is no nurse on site, and no cell service, there was no way we could send him without an adult.  When it became apparent Randy couldn't go, he called Brett.  He didn't hesitate and jumped at the chance to help us out.  Not only did he need a crash course on diabetes but he also had to miss 2 days of work. When he realized diabetes would be the reason Hank couldn't go, he told me "I'll do whatever I can to not let diabetes win this time." I can never repay him for this.  Brett was truly in his element and made the experience fun for all the kids. He also took some great pictures for me.

I have such vivid memories of Clear Creek as a 5th grader.  I'm glad to see it hasn't changed a bit in 25 years.

Brett had to check Hank's blood sugar in the night and thankfully he did.  Hank went low a couple times.  Brett would take a picture of the food Hank was eating and text me a picture so I could calculate the carbs.  It was nice he could communicate so easily with me back home.

Dissecting owl pellets

The Mighty Moosen!

A little yoga session

No clue what's happening here.

Hank and TJ

An epic kick ball tourney

 I'm so grateful Hank was able to enjoy Clear Creek with all his friends.  I also need to acknowledge Kate's role in making it happen.  The district requires a background check for all chaperone's.  Brett was unable to get one done in time.  Kate used her principal card and called Hank's principal at 10:30 the night before.  She assured Mr. Rencher that Brett was a trustworthy man and asked him to pull some strings.  My family is truly incredible.  I'm overwhelmed by their willingness to step up at a moments notice.  We are so lucky.  This was a bonding experience Hank and Brett will never forget.

My Incredible Max

I've feared this day for the past 4 years.  Even though Max tested positive for all the antibodies present in Type 1 diabetics at age 3, I held out hope the test was wrong.  With each passing year and no diagnosis, the fear lessened a bit.  When Max told me he needed to test his blood the night of the 16th, I couldn't figure out why he was so insistent.  I hadn't noticed any strange behavior, no signs of sickness, and certainly no red flags on the diabetes front.  I was busily getting Hank and Randy ready for Clear Creek after Hank's flag football game.  It was 9:30 on a school night and I simply didn't want to be bothered with the stress of a blood sugar check.  It always comes back fine but makes me overly anxious.  Max mentioned he'd been peeing like crazy for the past 3 days.  I hadn't noticed but Max is so independent and takes care of those things without bringing much attention to himself.  Randy and I agreed to check.  In that instant our entire lives changed as 586 came up on the tester.  I felt the air leave my lungs, my stomach turn, and my heart race.  No, this can't be happening.  We had Max wash his hands and test again, hoping the 30 Salt Water Taffy's he'd just eaten were still on his fingers.  No such luck as "over 600" displayed on the tester.  Max looked at me with a worried expression and said, "is that bad?".  Hank was sitting on the couch playing on his ipod and exclaimed "you have diabetes Max".  Thanks Hank.  The next hour was frantic as we decided what to do.  I contacted Dr. Swinyard who told me not to rush to the emergency room.  He said to send Max to bed and not give him any carbs until we could bring him in the next day.  Since Randy was supposed to go with Hank on his overnight school trip, we had to address that situation as well.  Brett majorly stepped up and agreed to accompany Hank and manage his diabetes overnight.  Our families rallied like they have so many times before.  I was in shock and cried all night long.  How can I do this with two kids?  The following morning, we sent Brett and Hank off and took Sam to preschool.  I knew I needed to dry it up and be strong for my sweet Max.

Griffy was a huge comfort to Max as we anxiously awaited our doctors appointment.  Max didn't seem scared, or sad one bit.

We loaded up with carb free snacks at the gas station and headed up to Dr. Swinyard's.  Max almost seemed excited to get his official diagnosis.

Randy poked Max's finger for his A1C test.

I watched in disbelief.  I'm here with the wrong kid.  Dr. Swinyard soon came into our room and told us Max's A1C was 7.8.  Max has type 1 diabetes.  Even though I presumed that was the case, I felt as though someone punched me in the stomach.  Thankfully, Max caught it early so there were no signs of ketones or dehydration.  Combined with my 5 years of experience managing the disease, there was no reason to hospitalize him.  We got a list of prescriptions and were sent on our way.  We went to Chick Fil A for lunch and informed our friends and family.  Through it all, Max seemed unfazed.  He's watched his big brother live without limitations or illness for most of his life.  Why would he be scared?  

Thank goodness for good health insurance.  You're looking at the supplies required to keep my two diabetics alive for a few months.  Overwhelmed is an understatement.  

What a blessing to have caught it early.  It seemed crazy but Max had a flag football game that afternoon and he really wanted to play.  

No one had a clue he'd just been giving a life changing diagnosis.

We checked his blood throughout the game and Max complied like the stud he is.

The true test was how he'd react to his first shots.  No surprise there, he handled it beautifully.

This image just seems wrong in every way.  I can't even wrap my head around this yet.  We just raised nearly $10,000 for JDRF.  How is this fair?  It's times like this, I have to force myself to look at the positive.  I have a healthy, smart, and capable boy.  He diagnosed himself for goodness sake!  I have the knowledge I need to take care of him properly.  I have access to all the medication and doctors required to manage this disease.  I also have an incredible diabetes aide at the school who can closely watch Max all day.  Our families are 100% behind Max and supporting him.  I have to focus on these things, otherwise I'll be consumed with sadness and I can't do that to Max.  We'll get through this.  One day at a time.

JDRF One Walk 2015

You're looking Team Hank 2015!  This crew right here, along with many others not pictured made it possible for Team Hank to have it's best fundraising year so far.  We were able to raise $9,230 for JDRF!  I'm blown away by the generosity of our friends and family year after year.  I never thought we'd top our $7,400 we raised last year.  Our team truly is unstoppable.  I'm so proud and lucky to call these fabulous people my friends and family.  Now, getting them to all look at the camera, that's the real challenge!

I was once again the walk chairman and it was an extra challenging job this year.  Thankfully I have the greatest walk committee ever.  Working with these women is both inspiring and fun.  We were able to pull off one of the best walks yet, even though our food vendor bailed on us 3 days before!  All the stress and months of planning were worth it when I saw the joy on Hank's face.  Get ready for some serious picture overload.  My phone decided to die that morning.  Good thing I have such awesome photographers in my crew.  Scott and Jeri provided most of these pictures.

Jones Family

Roysters

Ross Family

Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Curt

Scott and Grandma Jeri

Missie and Chris

It was fun to have my friend Hannah and her boys join us this  year.  She also has type 1.

The Yates family--(Luke and Jason were there too)

Scott and Jaden

Cutest cousins

The Roberts Family

Those coffee's were for me and much needed after our 4 am wake up call.  It doesn't matter how much we plan, the hours before everyone shows up are chaotic. My sweet dad showed up an hour early with beverages and a helping hand.  He was especially helpful locating a maintenance worker to get the power turned on.

I have to acknowledge this sexy beast.  There is no way I could have pulled off this event without him.  No one worked harder than Randy that day.  He was so helpful, and his positive energy was contagious.  No one wants me to succeed more than him.  He provided a listening ear for the 6 months prior to this event as well.  What would I do without him?

Of course Griffy had to join us for the walk.  He didn't leave my side the entire morning.

Walk day is always a little rough for Max.  There is so much attention focused on his big bro.

One of my favorite moments before we started walking was when they asked all the kids with type 1 to come to the stage and be honored.  It was extremely emotional for me.  These kids deserve an incredible event.

Hank got to cut the ribbon to start the walk.  One of the perks of having your mom in charge.

The weather this year was perfection. Not a cloud in sight.

Poor Randy had to deal with Max and Sam during the walk.  I managed to escape that madness!

This is the best picture I have of the food tent.  We were able to round up pancake mix, sausage, and ham from Village Inn.  Our fabulous UVU volunteers had a perfect system in place so no one had to wait long in line.  It turned out better than I ever imagined it would.  However, our food quantity estimations were WAY off.  We had enough pancakes and syrup to feed the entire city of Provo.  And don't even talk to me about our insane yogurt overage.  

We had live music provided by Fyre and Reign.  It added such a cool element. 

We did it Griffers!

My beautiful mom was my right hand man on the committee again this year.  

The food was a hit!  Everyone agreed breakfast at 10 am is way better than hot dogs.  In retrospect switching up the food was a bit more ambitious than I thought it would be.  If I'm in charge next year, my motto will be simplify, simplify, simplify.

The entertainment area was enjoyed by everyone.

How official do I look? Ha ha.

Hank is loved and adored by his cousins.  I noticed Hank really enjoying himself this year more than any other.  He's old enough to really grasp the magnitude of support around him.

The face painters nailed Sam's tiger look.

This trio!

What an emotionally exhausting day. I went from frantically stressed out to overwhemingly joyful and happy, to sad and depressed, and back to hopeful and grateful.  This disease is 24/7 worry and maintenence.  There is no way I'd be able to be as successful without Hank's help.  He is such a strong, responsible, independant kid.  I'm so proud of him and so proud I was able to give him and all the other kids a wonderful day of celebration.  Over the past 3 years, Team Hank has been able to raise over $20,000 for JDRF.  We are most certainly doing our part to further type 1 diabetes research.  One day, Hank will be able to go from Type 1 to Type none.  I just know it.