2006 Walk to Cure Diabetes

[Shane]

Normally, I would not post something like this on a public bulletin board, but this is a cause that is dear to my heart; and, having met many of you personally at lunches, group shoots and classes, I hoped you would take the time to read this and respond as you can . . .

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Support Shane in the 2006 Walk to Cure Diabetes

Hello! This year, I'll be taking part in JDRF's Walk to Cure Diabetes, along with one-half million other walkers across the country, as we try to reach our goal of raising $86 million. I am walking in support of Marissa, the 5 year-old daughter of some good friends.

Their lives changed this past fall when Marissa became lethargic, was constantly thirsty, and began losing weight. Their doctors indicated Marissa had Type 1 Diabetes, a life-long condition, not caused by eating sugar - it is an auto immune disease where the body attacks its pancreas and permanently destroys the cells that make insulin.

During her first night home after they returned from the hospital, Marissa cried herself to sleep after asking, "You mean the diabetes will never go away?" Like 1.3 million Americans with Type 1 Diabetes, Marissa is more likely to suffer heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage and a lower lifespan by 14 years. Every day, 35 children are diagnosed.

INSULIN IS NOT A CURE - IT IS MERELY LIFE SUPPORT.

Marissa does not enjoy their poking her finger to draw blood 4-8 times each day to measure her Blood Glucose (BG) plus multiple insulin shots every day. The stringent eating requirements are hard for most people to understand & strict carbohydrate counting for six meals/snacks a day, no less than 2 hours a part, yet no more than 3 hours a part. There are no exceptions and there is never a day off! Yet, they know they must be strong and avoid feeling sorry for themselves in order to help her be strong. Occasionally, she will ask, "When are the doctors going to find a cure?"

Because of groups like JDRF (www.jdrf.org) and research scientists around the world, their daughter has a chance to live a healthy, albeit high-maintenance, life.

-- JDRF's exclusive focus is finding a cure for diabetes.

-- Their organization is amazingly efficient with 85% of all donations going directly to research!

I ask you to help us find a cure by sponsoring me as I walk in support of Marissa!

-- Please donate at http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=86386497.

-- Click "Donate to this Walker" and JDRF will accept credit card donations online!

Your contributions are tax deductible!

I'm writing to ask for your support because now more than ever, EACH of us can be a part of bringing about a cure. Each of us can make a real difference

Won't you please give to JDRF as generously as you're able?

Together, we can make the cure a reality.

Thanks everyone,

Shane

[Shane]

This is Marissa, our "Team captain"! She is the young lady I am walking with for this event!