When I started my first year at UGA, I met a girl named Harper in my pledge class. She was funny, cool, and went out on Mondays (so she immediately gained my respect); but what I soon came to know was that she had type one diabetes.
I didn't really know much about diabetes other than Nick Jonas used to be a spokesperson for it on Disney Channel, but now that I had a friend who directly lives with it, the topic suddenly came up a lot in my life. I remember grabbing at Harper's wrist soon after meeting her to see her tattoo, which she explained was for her diabetes and served as a medical alert if she were to ever get into an incident. This really shook me honestly, I had never known how much of a medical risk she lived with everyday. One night after downtown, I was with Harper eating pizza we had just ordered and she told me about the "Egg Crack Challenge," as well as the story of Will Hauver.
Will Hauver, a Towson, Maryland native, passed away in February due to medical complications from illness. Will Hauver was also a diabetic or suffered from what he referred to as "LIVabetes." Hearing that happen to someone is so heartbreaking and reaches everyone, not just those who had the pleasure of knowing him. It is tragic events like this that end peoples lives, but also retains the power to spread awareness.
Just six months before passing, Hauver began a movement of his own: the "Diabetes Egg Crack on the Head Challenge." He also donated all he had in his wallet to the "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge." His own video, although very comical and witty, went viral and had many responses pouring in with support. After hearing all about the people affected and our sorority's plans to participate, it became increasingly important to get the word out.
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of the death in the United States and around 18,000 adolescents and youths are diagnosed every year. I challenge the college community and beyond to keep Will's memory alive as well as others suffering from this disease. Go crack an egg on your head and be sure to donate!!
Here's some people already participating. Let's get crackin!
Hauver's parents...
...and many others:
Start it up in your social circles:
Follow on twitter: @JDRFEggCrack
Like on Facebook.
See Will's art.
Donate here to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Will Hauver Memorial Scholarship Fund- Rollins College.
William L. Hauver '11 Memorial Fund- McDonogh School.
