Main fundraiser photo

Diabetic Alert Dog Bowie for Dominique

Donation protected
At the age of 25 years old, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Of course it had to be on the 3rd of July so I was on lock down for the 4th... Can't a sister just watch some fireworks and enjoy some barbeque?! Clearly my faith and sense of humor have been a huge help in getting through the ups and downs.


(Day 2 of my hospital stay 7/4/16)

A long wait and an eventful ER visit later, I ended up as the youngest patient admitted onto the renal floor of Emory University Hospital. I was in DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis with a blood glucose level of nearly 800 mg/dL. In a perfect world, my blood sugar should be about 85 mg/dL to 120 mg/dL.

I serve a great and mighty God because I have seen  photos and videos of other people in DKA. Many end up in the ICU with tubes coming from every which way and some are even in a coma. I knew that He would help me get through this because he was and always is causing ALL THINGS to work together for my good. (Hence the smile above.)


(Decorated Omnipod Insulin Pumps)

Three years later and I have learned so much about this disease. One thing being that you have to let go of the idea of perfection or you will drive yourself mad. The moment that you think you have it all figured out is the moment that the simplest change can throw your entire day off. Anything from the temperature, your exercise regimen in the past few days or hormone levels can drastically change the amount of insulin needed for the day or before a meal.

Technology is improving but it still isn't enough to maintain ideal blood glucose levels at all times or to no longer need insulin injections all together. It's a challenge to imitate a functioning pancreas with any form of medication, pump or injections. There are still so many things that researchers and doctors are learning about the pancreas, its cells, enzymes and the hormone that it produces, insulin.


(Just some of the supplies that I need. Insulin pumps, Lancets, Pen needles, Test Strips and CGM sensors)

Lately, I've been experiencing  low blood glucose levels in the middle of the night. As I sleep, I am unable to hear the alarms of my continuous glucose monitor (CGM).  Even with the volume turned up, different sounds, devices that vibrate and even placing them next to my pillow, I have continued to sleep.  This is dangerous because if my blood sugar drops too low there is a risk for seizures or slipping into a coma.

I am beyond blessed because each time this has happened to me I have woken up with just enough energy to treat the low blood sugar with juice, candy or a snack. There has been one episode where I passed out after treating my low but I consumed just enough sugar to raise my BG level and to allow myself to wake up on my own hours later. 


(The aftermath of an overnight low. Waking up in a panic, consuming what sugar I can find close by, testing my BG and then not being able to stay awake long enough to make sure my glucose level is going up)

A wonderful tool to assist me in maintaining an optimum blood glucose level would be a diabetic alert dog or D.A.D. A diabetic alert dog is a highly trained service dog that uses their keen sense of smell to detect changes in their handler's glucose level. When they sense a change, they are trained to alert their handler by pawing, staring and/or using their nose to bump and get the attention of their handler that needs to either give insulin or consume some form of sugar. Many are also trained to find or call for help in the event that their handler is unresponsive. 

Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors do have flaws and fail more often than you'd ever imagine. If I sweat or bump into something my insulin pump and CGM usually rip off because they stick to the skin using adhesive and tape. When I am active (almost every day) my CGM has a tough time keeping up with the rapid changes of my glucose level but a D.A.D. would detect the change immediately or close to it. Even a busy mall is no match for a well trained and partnered D.A.D. Imagine that with all of the distractions around!


(Newest edition of the Dexcom CGM, the G6)

Diabetic alert dogs have been proven to detect changes in glucose levels up to 30 minutes quicker than a CGM. That is huge in a world where you are your own healthcare provider on a daily basis and the name of the game is time.

The training of a diabetic alert dog can take anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 years. I am believing that I will have my D.A.D. in time for my 30th birthday. There is no better gift than being able to live independently, confidently and in the best state of health possible while helping others achieve the same.

I have partnered with Dylan's Dogs for Diabetes, which is a 501c3 non-profit organization that assists people with type 1 diabetes, whom otherwise may not have the opportunity to be partnered with a D.A.D. due to the cost of training. Any donation toward my D.A.D. will be tax deductible and if I raise more than my goal the extra money will be used to assist another T1D be partnered with their own diabetic alert dog! https://www.dcubed.org/

Diabetic alert dogs obtained through Dylan's Dogs for Diabetes are trained by a trainer beginning at 8 weeks old.

My D.A.D. and I will be advocates for those with T1D, especially for young adults and athletes. In the meantime, I will continue to advocate on my own and prepare for life with my D.A.D.


(Out at the JDRF One Walk for Type One Diabetes as a part of team Brooks' Buddies!)



If you prefer to donate directly to DCubed, may do so but please enter my name into the notation box before submitting. There is also an account set up at Fidelity Bank if you prefer to deposit cash or check. Please contact me for that information.

I will be hosting local fundraising events in the Metro ATL area soon so please check back from time to time.

 If you have any questions, please ask.

Thank You & Be Blessed!

Dominique

Type one chose the wrong One! #Overcomer

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $1,200
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Sharon Bowling
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $5
    • 4 yrs
  • Kathleen Benton
    • $200
    • 4 yrs

Organizer

Dominique T.
Organizer
Marietta, GA

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee