Diabetic Alert Dog for Dawn
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Dawn Foster. I am sharing my story in hopes of your support in purchasing a very special Diabetic Alert Dog named Cocoa.
My “Dia-versary” (Diabetic Anniversary) is on April Fool’s Day 1984. At the age of 15, I was diagnosed with Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. My life and my family’s lives changed forever that day. If only it could have been an April Fool’s Day joke...who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor? Laughing is good medicine...but it is no joke that I have had this debilitating incurable disease for nearly 35 years. Because I have had diabetes for a very long time, I suffer from severe Hypoglycemic Unawareness. Hypoglycemic Unawareness is a complication of diabetes where you are unaware of a deep drop in blood sugar. This happens because my body fails to trigger the secretion of epinephrine which generates the symptoms of low blood sugar. Without warning, my blood sugar will drop and I am often rendered incapable of getting the necessary treatment to bring my blood sugar up to a normal level. Extreme cases of Hypoglycemic Unawareness if not treated immediately, can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness.
Amazingly, god has given Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) like Cocoa the ability to sense blood sugar levels changing. She can provide pre- symptomatic warnings, even before a blood sugar monitor can. Allowing me to treat my low blood sugar before disabling symptoms occur. Being a single mom, taking care of my kids for the last 25 years, there have been numerous times I have become unresponsive due to hypoglycemia. Putting my children and myself at great risk. I am so thankful for being blessed with friends and family that recognize when I need help, but friends and family cannot always be with me. Having Cocoa there by my side at all times will relieve those risks and make for a better life living with diabetes.
The American Canine Institute in Idaho (http://www.americancanineinstitute.com/) trains Diabetic Alert
Dogs like Cocoa every day. These dogs save lives daily by alerting diabetics of potentially dangerous blood sugar level changes. Having a sense of security with me at all times, knowing I will be alerted of a low or high blood sugar 24 hours a day is an incredible security for me, and for my family. You can learn more about DADs at https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/diabetic-alert-dogs- everything-you-need-to-know/.
Diabetic Alert Dog training is a very labor intensive and costly process. Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover this medically necessary expense that could improve the lives of so many Type 1 diabetics. My family and I have been praying for a Diabetic Alert Dog for many years. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be blessed enough to have the opportunity to have one. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to read my story. It would mean the world to me and my family if you would pass my story along to others. Any support you can give to help me reach my goal, whether it is a donation or a prayer, I am truly thankful.
Dawn Foster and Cocoa
My “Dia-versary” (Diabetic Anniversary) is on April Fool’s Day 1984. At the age of 15, I was diagnosed with Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. My life and my family’s lives changed forever that day. If only it could have been an April Fool’s Day joke...who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor? Laughing is good medicine...but it is no joke that I have had this debilitating incurable disease for nearly 35 years. Because I have had diabetes for a very long time, I suffer from severe Hypoglycemic Unawareness. Hypoglycemic Unawareness is a complication of diabetes where you are unaware of a deep drop in blood sugar. This happens because my body fails to trigger the secretion of epinephrine which generates the symptoms of low blood sugar. Without warning, my blood sugar will drop and I am often rendered incapable of getting the necessary treatment to bring my blood sugar up to a normal level. Extreme cases of Hypoglycemic Unawareness if not treated immediately, can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness.
Amazingly, god has given Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) like Cocoa the ability to sense blood sugar levels changing. She can provide pre- symptomatic warnings, even before a blood sugar monitor can. Allowing me to treat my low blood sugar before disabling symptoms occur. Being a single mom, taking care of my kids for the last 25 years, there have been numerous times I have become unresponsive due to hypoglycemia. Putting my children and myself at great risk. I am so thankful for being blessed with friends and family that recognize when I need help, but friends and family cannot always be with me. Having Cocoa there by my side at all times will relieve those risks and make for a better life living with diabetes.
The American Canine Institute in Idaho (http://www.americancanineinstitute.com/) trains Diabetic Alert
Dogs like Cocoa every day. These dogs save lives daily by alerting diabetics of potentially dangerous blood sugar level changes. Having a sense of security with me at all times, knowing I will be alerted of a low or high blood sugar 24 hours a day is an incredible security for me, and for my family. You can learn more about DADs at https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/diabetic-alert-dogs- everything-you-need-to-know/.
Diabetic Alert Dog training is a very labor intensive and costly process. Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover this medically necessary expense that could improve the lives of so many Type 1 diabetics. My family and I have been praying for a Diabetic Alert Dog for many years. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be blessed enough to have the opportunity to have one. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to read my story. It would mean the world to me and my family if you would pass my story along to others. Any support you can give to help me reach my goal, whether it is a donation or a prayer, I am truly thankful.
Dawn Foster and Cocoa
Organizer
Dawn Elyse Foster
Organizer
Woodbridge, VA