Routine Halloween

This is the obligatory post where I tell you that my son can go trick or treating. He can eat any sort of candy and please don’t give him the sugar free stuff. But this will be our sixth(!) Halloween since Benny’s diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and we’re so used to the routine it’s…

On TV

Looking forward to a diabetes camp reunion at the ADA walk next month.  We’ve got our own team of walkers and the ADA is giving away a free week of camp to one lucky family.  Benny had a great experience his first time at camp this summer – this week our local CBS affiliate interviewed us about it. Benny was excited…

Zero!!

The little things make me happy. We replace the cartridge in Benny's insulin pump about every three days.  It's always a balance between using up as much insulin as possible and making sure it doesn't empty while Benny's at school or sleeping. I hate the waste, but I can't take a chance he'll tap out. We usually make it…

No More Monitor

I took the baby monitor out of my son's room. He's 7. I know what you're thinking - that's way too soon. No? Well, you probably don't have a child with type 1 diabetes. One of our biggest fears is an overnight low blood sugar. Low BG (hypoglycemia) is dangerous at any time, but sleeping through it is something else altogether. If you're asleep, you can't…

Not alone

Had a great time at Give Back With Zach earlier this month. It's a big party for the first Panthers away game and helps raise money for childhood cancer. There's a wonderful story here, but it's really better told by my coworker Keith Larson.   This event always looks like a good time, but we've never been able to…

Welcome To The Club

I gave my annual diabetes talk to Benny's class this week. I always have fun with that and he enjoys being the center of attention that day. This year, Benny wore his JDRF Walk shirt to class, but kept it hidden under a sweatshirt until it was time for our talk. Then he dramatically unzipped –…

Insulindependence in Charlotte

Guest post this week by someone I connected with as part of the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) and then realized he lived here! A rare native Charlottean, Harry Thompson is starting a chapter of Insulindependence  in our fair city. What's that? Read on..                                                              ********** When I sat down to write this post, I had planned to use a…

DNC OMG

Like most people this week in Charlotte, I'm digging out from the avalanche that was the Democratic National Convention.  You've heard all the big news from the convention this week. Some quick high spots from my perspective: Kudos to the WBT shuttle drivers, staffers Katie, Gary & Eriel. My biggest broadcast concern was actually getting to the Arena.…

Step Out & Win

Did you ever see the movie Meatballs? That about sums up my summer camp experience.  I spent 8 summers away from home and I have great memories of that time.  Got more independent, took on more responsibility and (ahem) may have learned just a little bit about boys.  I'm hoping my children have almost as much fun now that…

Here We Go…

School started today and, sure enough, my phone started ringing just after 12 noon. I answered, "Oh no, not already!" goofing around,  thinking the staff just had a blood sugar or carb question. No such luck:  Benny's inset had come out and I needed to go to school. Didn't we have enough excitement the first…