ARCHIVES SECTION A: JDRF and Type 1 Diabetes   8.    8-30-08: "JDRF Advocacy & American Express" 7.    6-28-08: "Divabetic—Makeover Your Diabetes" Event  6.    5-17-08:  "Athletes, Bloggers, & Type 1" 5.    2-02-08:  "It's the Cause"  4.  12-15-07:  "My Thanks to JDRF" 3.  11-01-07:  "Living with Type 1 Diabetes" 2.  10-25-07:  "The Farrell Family JDRF Walk Update"   1.  10-18-07:  "I'm Walkin' ... I'm Talkin' for JDRF"  _______________________________ Bay Heart Music Blog is best viewed using Internet Explorer Browser. Bay Heart Music is a registered trademark. Established 2004. As a matter of courtesy and the law, please do not copy Bay Heart Music files. Topic of the Day A.8. JDRF Advocacy and American Express August 30, 2008   Here's an intriguing and urgent fundraising campaign sponsored by the good folks at American Express and supported by the good folks at JDRF. As a mom who actively supports efforts to find a cure to type 1 diabetes, I encourage you lend a helping hand. Nothing to buy—just a few clicks of your time. Thank you on behalf of my son and children like him who live with type 1 diabetes. --Cheryl Farrell    Opportunity to Vote for a Special “Members Project” on an American Express Website   “No More Insulin Shots Required”   The American Express Members Project winners will share $2.5 Million in funding. Go to this direct link:   http://www.membersproject.com/project/view/OGEULA   You will be guided to nominate this project for funding. It was submitted by a mom from Georgia whose son was diagnosed on Mother’s Day 2007. This is her project description:   Fund continuing research for an artificial pancreas and eventually a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Organizations like JDRF and NIHH are working to make this dream a reality.   Let’s support her efforts and potentially support JDRF. The project closes on September 1st. It takes less than a couple of minutes to nominate this project. This is an opportunity for viral marketing. Pass this message on to at least 5 members of your family and friends. Let’s see if we can make an impact.   Topic of the Day A.7. “Divabetic — Makeover Your Diabetes” Event June 28, 2008   As the mother of a teenage son with type 1 diabetes, I am ever on the alert for diabetes advocacy. The disease affects families, not just those diagnosed. Clearly, the life-saving routines my son performs far exceed anything I have to do. However, my desire over the past seven years has been to make his life as hope-filled as possible. As such, I recently decided to step outside my insular perspective on diabetes.   My journey yielded a referral to a diabetes “makeover” event held at the Los Angeles Paramount studios today. “Divabetic—Makeover Your Diabetes” is sponsored by the pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk and the Divabetic organization. The event is primarily directed toward those with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. It is day of self-esteem building and education activities. Fashion shows, cosmetic tips, nutrition help, motivational help, and more filled the sound stage with positive attitude.   There’s often a division of thought on appropriate support for the two main types of diabetes. In the case of type 1, the cause is thought to be autoimmune related. The pancreas ceases to work and individuals require insulin every day to stay alive. In the case of type 2, there’s a correlation to poor diet and lack of exercise. The pancreas supplies insulin, but does so inefficiently. Corrective diet and exercise can in some cases reverse type 2 diabetes.   While distinct in how the two types come about, the underlying commonality is making healthy food choices and active lifestyle. This brings me back to the Divabetic event. I spoke to health and nutrition experts on topics that I can take back to my son. I learned about organizations that focus on teens, sports, and diabetes. I learned of a book entitled, “Diabetes Burnout…” by William H Polansky.(*) I learned that one of the best ways to be an advocate is to be a good listener. Indeed, lifesaving food for thought.   I encourage you to visit www.divabetic.org to find a tour date in your area. Through November 2008, tour cities include Washington, D.C., Cleveland, OH, New Orleans, LA and Miami, FL. I extend congratulations to the organizers and sponsors of this excellent outreach effort.   A famous quote applies here: “When the tide comes in all boats rise.” So, when a cure is being sought, everyone benefits. When nutrition advice is provided, everyone benefits. When positive attitudes are encouraged, everyone wins.   (*) For more information: ”Diabetes Burnout: What To Do When You Can't Take it Anymore,” by William H. Polansky        [ISBN: 1580400337] American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: www.jdrf.org Topic of the Day A.6. "Athletes, Bloggers, & Type 1 Diabetes" May 17, 2008   My teenage son plays sports and lives with type 1 diabetes and so I am always interested in updates on the two topics. ESPN reported that 25-year-old Denver Broncos quarterback, Jay Cutler was diagnosed with the disease late last month. While it’s not unusual to be diagnosed in one’s 20’s, it’s most often revealed in young children, in some cases in infants. My lacrosse playing son was diagnosed when he was ten years old.   Type 1 (or juvenile) diabetes is an extremely serious autoimmune disease in which the pancreas stops producing insulin, a life-sustaining hormone that allows us to get energy from food. The condition requires patients to vigilantly monitor their blood sugar levels and inject insulin throughout the day, every day, just to stay alive. Type 2, also known as adult onset diabetes, is the more familiar version and is closely linked to lifestyle choices and family history.   Cutler has been wonderfully outspoken about his condition—especially, citing the warning signs. Millions of individuals live with the disease, and it is not easy. Cutler’s candor and hope inspire children like my son as well as their parents. Please visit the ESPN web site  for more information about this story.    Another topic that can offer encouragement to young people with type 1 is a new blog sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).  According to their web site:   Blogging has skyrocketed in the past few years as a means for people to share their experiences and their opinions. In the past few years, dozens of blogs about living with diabetes have been started by those who know the disease best: people with diabetes and their families. JDRF is introducing a new round table series with nine bloggers in the online diabetes community. They all have different backgrounds, were diagnosed at different stages in life and have different styles of managing their diabetes.   Please visit the JDRF web site below for more information about the new round table series. You can also find information about type 1 warning signs, efforts to find a cure, as well as sources for family support.   http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=108190  Topic of the Day A.5. "It's the Cause" February 2, 2008   I again have the pleasure of speaking for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Tomorrow, I will be the MC at an awards ceremony for the Ventura County [California] walkers for a cure. You may know by now, my life mission is to support efforts to find a cure for my son and children like him.    I am pleasantly surprised by my willingness to go where I’ve been called, It reminds me of the familiar saying, “Keep your eyes on the prize.” This slogan is often associated with the Civil Rights movement. Yet, focus is not only required in social justice; it is as critical in children's healthcare.   I will enthusiastically congratulate the efforts of the Ventura walkers who raised over $150,000 during the fall campaign. I will continue to lobby my legislators to appropriate funding for diabetes research. Most importantly, I will hug my son as he tirelessly performs his regimen of glucose testing and insulin injections. Therein lies the hope. Topic of the Day A.4. "My Thanks to JDRF" December 15, 2007   There is a lot going on right now. That’s likely the case for many of us this time of year. When I feel swept up in the commotion of holiday preparations, my tendency is to clamp down and find focus again. I put aside the gigantic things-to-do list, the gift-giving spreadsheet, and the Christmas card roster. I will think about the holiday meal later. For now, I want to think about my blessings. For this entry, I note one very special blessing. That is the staff at Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Greater Los Angeles Chapter.   I believe the effectiveness of organization is directly related to the character of its members. JDRF is extremely effective under the leadership of Mark Rieck and his associate, Liz Sanchez Jackson. My family has found welcoming support in living with type 1 diabetes. The outreach programs touch a broad spectrum of families and as such, we are reminded that we are not alone. My son has met good friends through JDRF affiliated programs. With all the good times, attention never lapses from the importance of finding a cure to type 1 diabetes.   The numbers behind the organization tell an impressive story as well. The national organization was founded in 1970 by parents of children with type 1. Since that time, JDRF has awarded more than $1.16 billion to diabetes research, including more than $137 million in its 2007 fiscal year. The JDRF Los Angeles Chapter is among the area’s leading community organizations, raising more than $38 million for diabetes research over the past 15 years.   On behalf of the Farrell clan, I send heartfelt thanks to Mark, Liz, Frances, Anna, Cindy, Adrianna, Denise, and Erika for all your good work, support, and best wishes. Our hope remains alive and well because of you.   –Cheryl   General Diabetes Facts Diabetes is a chronic, debilitating disease affecting every organ system. There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes (an autoimmune disease also known as juvenile diabetes) and type 2 diabetes (a metabolic disorder also known as adult onset diabetes).    Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes Facts Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes strikes children suddenly, makes them dependent on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. While diagnosis most often occurs in childhood and adolescence, it can and does strike adults as well.   For more information about type 1 diabetes and how you can help find a cure, please visit www.jdrf.org.   Topic of the Day A.3. "Living with Type 1 Diabetes" November 1, 2007   I asked JDRF to send the following letter to California legislators on my son's behalf. It is part of the effort to retain research funding to cure type 1 diabetes.   My sixteen-year-old son Alec was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes almost six years ago. His father and I have a long history of checking with pediatricians for the mildest of symptoms. Our hyper-attentive parenting paid off because his diagnosis came before he developed serious complications. Nevertheless, Alec’s diagnosis caught us by surprise. We did not know about the disease and it does not “run in the family,” as we are often asked. We did not know the symptoms—we just knew something was not right.*   I noticed my son’s rapid weight loss and constant thirst. I travel for work and I naively thought he was reacting to my being away. These days living with the disease, my son enjoys lacrosse and wrestling. However, he manages a complex set of calculations many times a day. He factors in carbohydrates in his meals, exercise, how long he sleeps, how he feels, and other considerations to stay alive. While treatment varies, my son’s daily routine is to test his blood sugar (glucose levels) six to seven times a day in addition to taking insulin throughout the day. For parents of young children, this regimen often includes multiple visits through the night—every night—to test and to supply insulin.   A big concern for us now is how as a teenager, Alec must negotiate his disease with his social life. He doesn’t want to stand out or be defined by diabetes. How do you date and explain you must test your blood before a meal? How do you explain the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? It’s not about being overweight or eating too much sugar. How do you excuse yourself repeatedly from class to urinate which is an indication of high glucose levels? It’s a job staying alive that never takes a vacation.   I am a member of the Clue Crew on the TV show Jeopardy! I am also a volunteer for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). As part of my advocacy work, I have interviewed parents of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in order to share their stories and help raise awareness. Those stories can be found at www.bayheartmusic.com under the writing link.   Thank you in advance for any and all support to finding a cure to type 1. My son’s life depends on it.   *For warning signs of type 1 diabetes, please visit www.jdrf.org. Education about type 1 diabetes symptoms is critical because they can be mistaken for more common illnesses. Topic of the Day A.2. "The Farrell Family JDRF Walk Update" October 25, 2007 (Includes post script—November 4, 2007)   The following is an email I sent to friends and extended family about the JDRF Family Walk Update. I hope you are inspired.    10-25-07 7AM Hi all. This is my Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Family update. Our focus this year is to keep the cure for diabetes top of mind. I know that you are often approached by friends and colleagues requesting financial support for very worthy causes. As citizens of the world, asking and giving is the business we’re in. However, the Farrells don’t want to wear out their welcome with you. By the way, I’ve been working on ways to raise funds via mass market. Stay tuned…it’s in the works.   In the meantime, I’m compelled to keep the message of hope alive—finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. I see hope in Alec’s activities. It’s been six years since he was diagnosed at ten years old. He’s a strapping lacrosse player with his sights on sports medicine as a college major. It’s subject to change, but he’s heavy into high school chemistry and physiology. While his banter with his younger sister is annoying at times, we know it comes from love and will create a long lasting bond between them.   Alec has an excellent endocrinologist. Thankfully he has presented Alec with the latest technology to inject insulin and measure glucose levels. The work of JDRF, the researchers it funds, and medical equipment suppliers continually make progress. It’s evidenced in Alec’s life and the lives of children like him.   But you know the drill: technology is not a cure. Finding a cure is the primary objective of JDRF. We believe it’s a reachable goal. That’s why our family participates each year in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. I was recently the MC at several local events and will be walking November 4th at Dodger Stadium. Okay, for those clamoring to support the cause financially, it’s not too late to register to join us at the walk. Please see below.   In any case, we feel your support in thought and deed and we are grateful.   Ways to Support Finding a Cure for Diabetes: 1. The “Promise to Remember Me” CDs that I recorded a few years ago on behalf of JDRF are still available for purchase. (Thank you for your past purchases.) You’ll find more information on my website: www.bayheartmusic.com   A CD order form can be printed on the link entitled, "How to Order." ("Promise”)    2. To pledge for the Walk to Cure Diabetes, please go to our donation site:   http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=86747373   3. Keep those prayers and good thoughts flowing. We cannot make it without them. You have ours for the work you do.   Thanks for indulging this long message. All the best to you.   Gratefully,   Cheryl Farrell and Family   P.S.  Nov. 4, 2007 @ 3:55PM The walk was completed a few hours ago and the numbers are in. The Shining Stars, the Farrell Walk Team made its goal! Thank you to all our incredibly generous supporters. As before, I saw thousands of walkers in their colorful team shirts all moving in the same direction toward a cure. It's an amazing sight to witness the power of hope. It makes it easier to get up every day to face the challenges. Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support.   —Cheryl   Topic of the Day A.1.  "I'm Walkin' ... I'm Talkin' for JDRF" October 18, 2007   This week’s topic is not a tribute to Fats Domino. My walking has to do with a role I’ll play in a few days. I will serve as MC for the 2007 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Ventura, CA. (Side question: Does “MC” generically stand for Master of Ceremonies as opposed to the female version, “Mistress of Ceremonies"?) Whatever the phrase, it’s the third time in the past few months that I’ve supported the JDRF LA chapter in this way. I’m thrilled to do it. I help in other ways, but cheering a crowd on, particularly for the very important cause of finding a cure to diabetes gives me a special buzz.   As you may know, my teenage son Alec has type 1 diabetes, along with millions of other people in America. Also known as juvenile diabetes, the rate of new cases increases every year for this autoimmune disease that mainly strikes children. For families with a type 1 child, the only statistic that matters is the one that affects your family. However, when a cure is found, the wealth of opportunity is shared by all. So, despite the natural reflex to nest and go inward, I reach outward to find a cure.   I spend a lot of time explaining the difference between type 1 and the often misapplied version of type 2 (adult onset diabetes.) No, my son did not eat too much sugar; no he is not obese; no, it’s not about lack of exercise—in fact, he’s an avid lacrosse player. Both type 1 and type 2 versions share a common name because they both affect the pancreas—the insulin producing organ that helps sustain life.   Children are the least equipped to defend themselves against the false stigma of juvenile diabetes. The good news is that they can rely on their advocates in parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, neighbors, friends, colleagues, legislators, generous businesses owners, and many others. We all talk and we all walk for a cure.   I invite you to walk with me and hundreds of thousands of other walkers across the county over the next few weeks. For information about a walk in your area, please visit www.walk.jdrf.org   Register Today for the 2007 Walk to Cure Diabetes! Sunday, October 21, 2007- Oxnard State Beach Park Saturday, November 3, 2007- Yokuts Park- Bakersfield Sunday, November 4, 2007- Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles