Former NFL Player Of The Fight Against Stigma Of Diabetes
Jeff Dorthe With 7-year-old son Sam has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 17 months, disease, and almost all aspects of daily life for family life.
“It changed the way we look at everything,” said Dorthe. “Schools for Sam, it influenced the dynamics of our family and marriage, as we approach each other as husband and wife. We intend to substantially all of this. ”
Dorthe In a small number of families in the region in search of camp, a day of educational activities for children with diabetes Friday at St. Norbert College Sportzentrum debt.
Camp search allows families of juvenile diabetes in the network, and learn to better manage the disease and general issues, such as survival techniques.
“We wanted a day for families to share, love to hear the speakers, and an opportunity for children to learn with other children,” said organizer Julie Kersten.
“Many families feel May not to go. They cannot know all the others with diabetes, because these settings, you can tell they are not alone in the fight against this disease, and if tap the experience of other countries. ”
Events Best of former NFL offensive lineman Jay Leeuwenburg diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 1 when he played a 12, but four teams in the NFL for nine seasons.
“I believe that empowering people throughout the state of Wisconsin to find out how his life happy and healthy life with diabetes,” he says. “Many families have many questions, and it can be very distressing for parents of children with diabetes. ”
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, the hormone needed for sugar in the cells for energy production. It does not heal.
Leeuwenburg said he has heard throughout his life when he could not participate in activities and achieve its goal of playing professional football.
“I think it’s really powerful for these children and their families to ensure that I can play in the NFL with diabetes,” he says. “Then they saw that they consult a doctor, they can be a lawyer, they can become a dancer or a football player, even if someone says: “There is not one who did it, who is diabetic.” Fortunately, they can learn from some of my experiences.
Sue Jonas and his 7-year-old daughter Gabby has come to talk about people who are the same problems.
With the support of schools in Pulaski talkative, Jonas said the girl, she encouraged him to participate in activities that interest you, and do not worry, it’s the disease.
“Our school is great,” said Jonas. “They have a lot of people, knowledge and work with diabetes, and help in the preparation, I am talkative and very comfortable to send them there.”
Dorthe family, the event is the experience and pleasure to Saturday
“I’m here with my friends and have fun,” said Saturday “My friends at school that I have diabetes, but they are all happy to see that my friend.”