The Olsen Update

I've had a few people ask me what I want for my birthday and rather than responding to these messages one by one, I think I'll post it here for all to see.  What do I want? I want a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. I know that seems to be an odd thing to ask for. Maybe unreasonable, but even my little Alana asked for it for Christmas last year. I want my daughter to have the childhood that she once had. I want her to be free from finger pricks, site changes and getting her insu lin pump tubing stuck on door knobs. I want her to be able to pushed into the pool by her friends (with out the worries that it will kill her pump). I want her to be able to eat carbs with out counting them and indulge in chocolate and ice cream with out an injection or fear that her blood sugar will be high.  This is my simple birthday wish. Please donate to JDRF and type one diabetes research. Help us find that cure. Even if its a dollar. Every cent counts. Thanks. ♥

While at fundraising event for our Walk to Cure team, I was asked the same question several times.       So who's Alana? After pointing her out their response to her was... But you don't look sick. How many times do you look at a person with a handicap permit and say... They don't need that.   They look fine. I'll admit.  I've shamefully said it before.  So many of us look at people with a disease or disability as if it's something you have to see for it to be real. If you don't see Alana's insulin pump or see her check her blood sugar, you might not realize she has a disease at all.  She's a pretty healthy kid, diabetes aside. She rides her bike, swims, climbs the monkey bars and gets good grades. But we're that family.  The one who's counting every single carb that enters Alana's body.  Always referring to our Calorie King app for the right numbers.  We're that family who dreads pizza night because we know that it make...

Please join Alana's Brave Crew as we walk and raise money for JDRF. The goal is to find a cure for Type One Diabetes. This year's theme is "The Greatest Show on Earth". That's right... It's circus themed! So we'll all be donning our best circus attire as well as our walk to cure shirts (I'll be posting soon).  Sign up today to be a walker/virtual walker . Our goal is to have everyone raise $100 each. Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Reliant Park Registration: 7:30am Walk: 9:00am

Tonight I met Mrs. Darring at a vendor event/fundraiser for Alana's Brave Crew.  She was sweet and kind and I could tell that she has a huge heart.  She asked if she could share a little piece about us one her page Anne B Darring For Judge .  It warms my sole to read this.  Thank you Anne. And Good luck in the election.   The Face of Juvenile Diabetes This is Alana Olsen with her mom Carina. Alana has juvenile diabetes and has to wear an insulin pump at all times. Her brave battle is undetectable through her enthusiasm and cheerful energy. The thing is,  juvenile diabetes is incurable at this point. Research is the key. We must find a way to bring an end to this suffering. This is a life-threatening autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas stops producing insulin - a hormone essential to the ability to get energy from food. It strikes both children and adults suddenly and changes life as they know it forever. On October 26th there is Walk...

We raised $22 just by carrying Alana's Brave Crew bracelets around school today. I didn't even solicit it. They sell themselves. Starting next week Mossman  Elementary  will have them in their Student Store! How cool is that? We're also working on getting Krogar's approval to sell them in front of their store. Updates to come. We currently have kids at Clear Creek High who are selling bracelets for us. If you're interested in helping us please send me a message or post a comment here.  Thank you all for what you do.

Last week I had the importunity to photograph this amazing event. Take a look.  Tell us what you think.