Be a Guest Blogger
Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 2:17PM
Scott Benner in Daddy's Blog, type I

The other night as we celebrated a family member’s birthday, Arden’s blood glucose became unexpectedly and dangerously low.  The drop seemed to come out of nowhere and it took us by surprise.  Arden is fine now though to be honest she was in a precarious position for quite a while last night.

 

After the incident, one of Arden’s aunts asked me if she could chronicle what she witnessed and post it here on Arden’s site.  She said that watching us deal with Arden’s disease in that setting, though she had seen us do it before; offered her pause and a different perspective.  

 

Her offer along with the look on her face gave me this idea...

 

I think that it would be very interesting to hear from all of you.  Aunts, uncles, brothers, mothers, friends, doctors and nurses.  If you know Arden you’ve likely seen the effects that type I diabetes has on her and our family - and it is very likely that diabetes has made a personal impression on you.  I’m asking you to consider becoming a guest blogger, to take a few moments to share your viewpoint on Arden and her disease with the world.

 

I am also encouraging readers of the site that don’t know Arden personally, other diabetics and people that know other persons with type I to join in.  You all have a unique perspective and I think that it would be fascinating to read what you see, hear, feel and think.  As I considered this idea last night; I was struck by the thought that one of Arden’s grandparents for instance is likely having a completely different reaction to Arden’s disease then say my brother does or Kelly’s sister.  I want to know what it is like for the people on the periphery of Arden’s Day to know her, how it feels to watch her struggle with type I diabetes and what effect if any her disease has on you.

 

The first goal of 'Arden’s Day' has always been to make type I diabetes and it’s effects transparent to the readers.  It’s my contention that transparency is the truest and speediest path to a cure.  Because Arden doesn’t look sick and because many people go to great pains to conceal their diabetes in order to have a more normal life, it is difficult to recruit new advocates, difficult to keep the ones we have, and even more challenging to educate the public on what it really means to have type I diabetes.  I am confident that your participation in this venture will help to diminish all of those issues.

 

Please contact me if you are interested in participating.  I am hoping to get a healthy number of responses so I can make this a feature on Arden’s site.  I think that your collective writings will be a powerful and educational tool as well as a wonderful addition to 'Arden’s Day'.  Everyone is invited to participate: the shy among us can submit a blog using a pen name or anonymously if they like.   I hope to hear from you soon!

 

Thank you as always for your continued support,

Scott

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The following are archived comments from this post. You can post new comments below.

Saturday, May 23, 2009 - 07:04 AM
Thank you Scott, Kelly and Arden for keeping the world informed on the effects that diabetes has on families and individuals.  I, too have first hand knowledge of this terrible disease.  My nephew was diagnosed at age 11.  I was so naive at first about the disease, I thought okay give him insulin and he is fine but that is not true, the ravages to his organs are enormous and until you live through one of their reactions you don't truly understand diabetes.   The first time I had him overnight was terrifying for me as he experienced very low BS.  It is with such a feeling of helplessness as you try and raise his levels.  It did give me the resolve that I will work as hard as I can to raise the money desperately needed for research. 

The Alberta Diabetes Foundation incorporated in 1988 to fund human clinical trials into islet transplantation.  We have now moved on to fund pilot projects that funding is so scarce for.  Listening to the brilliant students present their findings during "Research in Progress" seminars held at the Alberta Diabetes Institute, fills me with even more hope that they are getting closer to the cure!

Scott and Arden recently put together a campaign called "Daddy's Blog" that we have sent out to all our members, supporters and potential supporters in Canada.  The response has been overwhelming -  Arden, your story has raised over $40,000 and it is still coming in!!  Thank you so very much, you are a great ambassador for your diabetic friends in Canada.
Friday, May 22, 2009 - 01:28 PM

Scott
Thank you for posting JoAnne!  We are, of course always happy to help and thrilled that the ADF is having such great success fundraising with our story!  Best to you!

 

 

 

Article originally appeared on type I diabetes (http://ardensday.squarespace.com/).
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