JDRF Walk!

All of us (minus Jackson who was the photo taker and Michele's mom)






Lainey waving on the walk.

Laine and her friend, William. His mommy and daddy were there in support as well.




This is Marissa (holding the sign) and her friend Claire on the walk.

Close to two years ago, my family became instant friends with the Lewis family. It all started when the nurse at my school was talking with Michele Lewis about how Michele wanted to watch a baby. When I had Laine, Nurse Jennie told me to call Michele and see if she was still interested. When Jackson and I took Laine over there for the first time, the whole family was there and they all seemed so nice. Since then, we have been great friends. Not only does Michele watch our precious Lainey everyday, but her third child Marissa is in my class this year.

Riss and Madie are their two middle children. They look so much alike, but couldn't be more different...Except for one thing. Both of these beautiful girls struggle with a disease daily, Diabetes. They were diagnosed within one year of each other and each time was a huge devastation to their family. They each have Type I Diabetes, which is the most serious type. Their bodies depend on insulin to survive. Our bodies naturally produce insulin, but for them to get the needed amount, they have to have a continuous insulin drip. Every time they eat, they have to "bolus" for their meals. This means, they have to add more insulin to their bodies so that the sugar in the foods do not send them high or low. It's a VERY confusing disease and to watch these girls know exactly how to work their pump is amazing to watch. There's no doubt that they struggle and at times feel like their disease is taking over, but with the support from their friends and family, they're able to manage it. It won't ever go away, but as they get older the disease will be more predictable and less threatening.

That's why we were so honored that they asked us to walk with them today. Their family donates and helps raise money for the JDRF because about 90% of their donations go to reasearching ways to cure the disease. Michele made t-shirts that say, "Sassy Sisters" and we all met at Trinity Park this morning to make the 5K walk. It was so fun to see Riss and Madie on the weekend and we will for sure do the walk with them each year here on out! We LOVE you Lewis family and are so blessed you're in our lives!