Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes is a disease that affects more people than we realize. It is a serious matter that attacks the pancreas, which eliminates the production of insulin. This makes life difficult for anyone living with this disease.

With that being said, I have lived with this my entire life, so this is normal for me. I always thought people were aware of this diabetes and knew what it was. I have learned that I was wrong, and there is not enough awareness.

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, and JDRF both work hard to educate others on the effects of type one diabetes. They go into schools and provide diabetic supplies, snacks, and training courses for teachers all for FREE. They provide insulin for the elderly and pump information for children wanting to get off of shots. All of the things they do for the community they do without asking for a dime from the schools, and other people they help.

They run strictly off donation

Money is raised by having events such as a diabetes fun run/5k. I attended one over the weekend and was shocked at how little of a turnout there was. Maybe 40 people showed up, and that was a crowd for this event. Isn't it a shame that a disease as big as diabetes has such little support from the community?

I mean think about this: when you were in school growing up, how many diabetics were in your classes? There was at least a handful. So something that affects so many people should be getting more support.

Even if you are not affected personally by diabetes, someone you are friends with, or someone that is in your family is. Support your local diabetes foundations, please.

I know this isn't normal "content" for the Odyssey, but figured I'd use this platform for some awareness.