2014 Walk Ambassador Family Refuses to Let T1D Slow Them Down
Meet the Bakers. Ella and AJ are siblings who both have T1D, but refuse to let this disease stop them from being kids. They are the 2014 Walk to Cure Diabetes Ambassadors and they’d like you to hear their story, and join them in creating a world without T1D.
“Kid first…diabetic second” was the motto adopted by the Baker family shortly after Ella was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2007. She was diagnosed at 17 months, filling her parents with fear and uncertainty. What would her future be like? Would she be able to lead a normal life?
Her parents decided right away to do what was necessary to keep her life as normal as possible. Sweets are not off limits, but are given in moderation the same as any other child. Birthday parties and sleepovers are attended, thanks to other families that have been willing to manage T1D for a short time.
When AJ was born in 2009, various studies at the time showed only a 5-10% increased risk that Type 1 would also strike him.
He was diagnosed at 23 months of age.
Weighing and measuring food, carb counting, and of course blood sugar testing are all part of what is normal for Ella and AJ. Both wear Animas Ping insulin pumps, and take in stride the site changes, constant pump adjustments, and all things related to T1D.
The family works to maintain all the fun of childhood for Ella and AJ, while teaching the importance of keeping control of T1D. They hope for a future free of Type 1 Diabetes, and are happy to help fight for a world where Type 1 will become Type NONE!
The Bakers are the won’t let T1D slow them down type. The determined type. The Walk to change the future type. The type that will stop at nothing, absolutely nothing, until we turn type one into type none. Are you the type to join them?
We hope you will join Ella, AJ, and their parents in their fight against T1D. You can take the first step today by registering for the Walk to Cure Diabetes at Hersheypark on September 28, 2014.