1 Type of Inspiration

So normally I only use this blog to link to my private blog, as my private blog doesn't show up on people's blog feed when I update. This is a special occasion, though, and merits a special kind of announcement and attention.

This is about a special kind of hero.

Bobby has a little cousin named MaKenna. I use the term "little" loosely, because while she would probably be more likely to listen to the works of Justin Bieber than Incubus, she has the spirit and maturity that exceeds many adults I know. A little over a year ago, MaKenna had the same cares any tween had-- discovering that boys are actually kind of cute instead of just gross, how many girls to invite to her sleepover, and trying to be taken seriously as a mature young adult while still playing legos with the little cousins at Grandma's. Something started to happen with MaKenna, though, and her parents started to notice she was dropping weight and acting more lethargic. After hearing too many stories to ignore the symptoms, MaKenna's parents took her to the doctor to have their fears and concerns confirmed: MaKenna has Type 1 Diabetes.

When I received news of what was happening, my heart ached for them. At the time, though, I was on bed rest and totally naive to the perils and stroke potential that comes with being a parent. I still had just under a month before I would know what it was like to have a little person in your life that you would give ANYTHING, including your last breath, to protect. When Eddy had a seizure not long ago and ended up in the emergency room, I felt completely and utterly helpless in a situation that I had no control over-- but we left with tools and knowledge to prevent the seizure from happening again, and we gained some control back. For my Aunt Carolynn and Uncle Ken, though, only so much control was given back. "Little" MaKenna suddenly had an immense responsibility over every minute detail-- what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat-- and then repeated finger pricks to test glucose levels, and adjust what/when/how much to eat accordingly-- while trying to maintain a normal tween lifestyle. In hindsight, I cannot fathom how they managed to handle the news and the transition with such grace and faith, and pray sincerely that their example is the only means I'll need in this life to learn that lesson.

MaKenna's heroism is defined completely by her attitude throughout this entire process. On paper, her age may suggest an inability to fully grasp the magnitude of the situation regarding her health, but her example has taught me volumes about the adaptability of children, and of the tenacity and strength MaKenna possesses. She takes her nutrition choices very seriously, and has taken care to learn alongside her parents rather than allowing them to dictate her meals and schedule. She has educated herself about using an insulin pump, and what it means to have diabetes. The most inspiring thing to me throughout all of this is that she has refused to let this diagnosis slow her down. In a whirlwind of new found adult-like responsibility, MaKenna is still the beautiful, fun-loving, carefree individual with love and compassion for others. It is that idea of looking forward and being proactive that MaKenna organized a family effort to "Walk to Cure Diabetes." Her mother wrote the following:
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MaKenna made the decision for our family that this year we are going to participate in the "walk to cure diabetes". MaKenna has made it her personal goal to raise at least $2,000 for this cause. If you would like to donate to JDRF you can do this by following these steps:

* log on to www2.jdrf.org
* click donate to a walker
* type in MaKenna Petersen (notice it is PetersEn NOT PetersOn)
* our team name is : Team MaKenna
* walk location is MISSOURI
* now click "find walker"
MaKenna's name should now come up...click on her name and then click on the orange "donate to MaKenna" icon

We are not ones that typically ask for donations, but we are extremely passionate about this cause. Please, if you can, consider donating even a small amount. EVERY donation counts!
Now, after a year and a half after her diagnosis, MaKenna continues to check blood sugars before and after every meal. MaKenna now has a pump (a device that connects to her body through a needle to continually deliver insulin in order for her to survive). She continues to have her same upbeat and positive attitude despite this challenge.
Thank you for your continued support and friendship.
Sincerely,
Ken, Carolynn, MaKenna, Mason, Dylan and Jaxon

So I'm not one to typically ask for donations either, unless it's my job and it's for a bunch of kids at a domestic violence shelter (and then I am SHAMELESS). This is an instance though where a couple dollars here and there could really make a huge difference in helping MaKenna reach her goal. Please, please consider. And if it is ANY motivation, I'll be walking with them-- with my entire 32 week pregnant self. I promise to post a recap of my Waddle To Cure Diabetes if you are willing to help MaKenna accomplish her fundraising goal.

Thank you so much!