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2009 Auction--May
1-May 31: Information coming later this year
See what I donated in: 2006, 2007, 2008
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation supports the research and treatement of Type 1 diabetes.
Brenda Novak, a bestselling romance author I am acquainted with is chairing a major fundraiser/on-line auction for this foundation.
Why Am I Involved?
Because diabetes is one
of the fastest growing diseases today. Because it's a devastating disease.
And because it touches my family personally. My husband has Type 1 diabetes,
so I know on a very detailed level what strains this disorder puts on the
body. While some cases of Type 2 diabetes can be controlled via diet and
exercise, juvenile--or Type 1--diabetes is a different matter.
I watch Samwise try to calculate his insulin needs three-four times a day, every single day of his life, and there's no clear formula--everything alters your need for insulin, from working out to not eating enough to eating too much to not enough sleep...so there's a constant balancing act going on trying to reproduce what the body should be doing naturally. I've pulled him out of seizures at night, a few too many times to ever sleep well. I've learned more than I ever wanted to learn about the delicate balance in a diabetic's life between working out, diet, sleep, and stress.
About Type 1 Diabetes
Juvenile diabetes, also
known as Type 1 diabetes, is an especially rough condition to cope with.
There's no real knowledge of how it begins, though it's thought a virus
may be the culprit. Those who have it--including my husband--must rely
on several shots of insulin throughout the day to stay alive. Typically,
type 1 is developed before the age of 20, although some people (like Samwise)
come to it late--he developed it when he was 27. In some cases, babies
are born with it.
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone secreted
by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin is responsible for
regulating the blood glucose levels. When insulin levels are reduced, the
body cannot utilize nutrients from food and an undiagnosed Type 1 diabetic
will starve to death if left untreated. The lack of insulin causes the
blood sugar to soar out of control and prevents the body from absorbing
nutrients out of the food, which is why people who contract diabetes show
drastic weight loss when they haven't been dieting.
In addition, the inability of the body to produce insulin can cause blindness, neuropathy, gangrene, and a host of horrible problems.
Can Type 1 Diabetes Be
Reversed or Cured?
Type 1 diabetes, unlike
some cases Type 2 diabetes, cannot be reversed or cured at this time. This
is a serious condition that debilitates so many people, and we need to
find out why it happens, and how to prevent it, and with a little luck--how
to cure it, or at least make it more liveable.
Potentials For Better
Lives
There are research trials
going on right now that could make life so much more bearable. They're
testing the injection of insulin cells into the pancreas. Once every six
months or so, the diabetic would get a shot...while the cells would slowly
die off (because Type 1 is an autoimmune reaction of the body and often
leads--as in my husband's case--to autoimmune disorders like the thyroid
quitting, and in some people, the adrenal glands shutting down), they would
do so over a period of about six months, meaning the diabetic would no
longer need daily shots, but only a shot every six months or so. That would
be such a blessing.
Stem cell research is very close to several major breakthroughs that would--if not outright cure--make life much more bearable for those who have type 1 diabetes. We NEED government funded research--don't let the big drug companies' lobbyists win out--vote for stem cell research, encourage your congress person to support it.
What I've Donated in Past Years
In 2008, I donated a Sisters of the Moon/Otherworld basket (went for $575)
And three copies of Legend of the Jade Dragon (went for $34, $53, and $63).
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In 2007, I donated a Magic Happens basket (went for $210)
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In 2006, I donated a basket including (went for $102.50):
• Signed copies of: the first four Chintz ‘n China Books:
Ghost of a Chance, Legend of the Jade Dragon, Murder Under a Mystic Moon, and A
Harvest of Bones.
• Signed copies of: the first two India Ink books: Scent to Her Grave, A Blush
With Death.
• A blank journal and pen for your thoughts.
• Assortment of note cards and envelopes.
• Coffee mug
• Half-pound of Starbucks Espresso roast coffee beans
• Assorted syrups for your coffee
• A candle for those late night writing sessions
• A crystal charm
• A tote bag
In 2005, I donated a basket including (went for around$85):
• Signed copies of: the first three
Chintz ‘n China Books: Ghost of a Chance, Legend of the Jade Dragon, and Murder
Under a Mystic Moon
• A blank journal and pen for your thoughts.
• Assortment of note cards and envelopes.
• Tea mug
• Assorted teas
• Assorted crackers and jams
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