eddie from ohio journal April, 2004

Special Announcement from Julie

Dear Edhead community,

On Sunday, May 16, 2004, a team consisting of our friends and family, and known as "Bubba's Buddies", will be walking in the Walk to Cure Diabetes in Washington DC.

Greg and I have a most personal relationship with this disease that affects millions of children and adults. Our two-year-old son Corey, a.k.a Bubba, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a little over a year ago - March 11, 2003 to be exact.

These past 12 months have been a true test of patience, understanding, faith, and hope. We continue to monitor Corey's diet by counting his carbohydrate intake, we test his blood sugar a minimum of six times daily and throughout the night by pricking his tiny fingers, and we give Corey insulin shots twice daily. Bless his little heart; he is such a brave boy. It is extremely sad to know that this regimen will continue for the rest of his life, unless a cure is found.

For the second year in a row, we have formed Bubba's Buddies, in our attempt to support Corey and all of those afflicted with this terrible disease. Last year, we had 20 walkers and raised just over $17,000. This year, we are hoping to have at least 35 walkers and raise a minimum of $20,000.

When Corey was diagnosed last year, our life as we knew it changed in one single moment. It was overwhelming at times, but with the support of our friends and family, and becoming involved with the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), we began to understand what we were dealing with, and even found hope. This year, we are asking EVERYONE we know for help in either one or both of two ways:

1. Support a walker by making a tax-deductible contribution in support of Bubba's Buddies. You can send a check made out to JDRF to our address - EFO, PO Box 7431, McLean VA 22106, Attn: Bubba's Buddies, or you can make a donation on-line by going to our personal link through the JDRF's Capitol web-site: http://walk.jdrf.org/support.cfm?id=85747484. ANY amount is welcome. Please know that eighty seven cents($0.87) of every dollar raised for JDRF goes directly to research for finding a cure.

2. Come walk in support of Corey on May 16th and be an active participant of Bubba's Buddies. Register yourself as a member of the team and remember to put "Bubba's Buddies" in the team slot, collect money from folks you know, including yourself, and then join us for a fun morning on the National Mall in Washington DC. The walk will start at 9:00am.

Greg and I both remember receiving so many notes of thoughts and prayers last March when this happened. It was so comforting knowing that we had support from so many wonderful people, and we'd like to say thank you. You'll never know just how much you helped our family. We certainly do have the greatest fans on the planet! Thanks so much, in advance, for your consideration and generosity.

God bless,

Julie and Greg