“Hopey’s Hope”
August 17, 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
We are writing to ask for your support in a very special cause. In December of 2001, when she was just 5 years old, our precious daughter, Hope, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Her life, as well as our entire family life, was thrown into a tailspin. We had to make some quick adjustments. Type 1, or juvenile diabetes, is a devastating, often deadly disease that affects millions of people - a large and growing percentage are children. Many people think Type 1 Diabetes can be controlled by insulin. While insulin does keep people with Type 1 Diabetes alive, it is NOT a cure. Since that terrible day in December, Hope has had to learn to monitor her glucose levels (by sticking her finger 5-7 times each day), count carbohydrates, calculate her insulin and give herself injections 3-4 times a day. In July Hope attended Diabetes Camp in Monticello, Illinois. What a wonderful first time experience she had. Besides learning to live with and care for her disease, she met and bonded with kids of all ages who face the same challenges she does. When Hope came back, she said “I hope none of my siblings get diabetes and that some day research could help me to live without being insulin dependent.” From that tenderhearted comment, “HOPEY’S HOPE” was born. On the 5th of this month, Hope experienced her first diabetic seizure. Seizures can be a part of this horrible disease and it was terribly frightening for her and our family. Aside from the daily challenges of living with Type 1 Diabetes, there are many severe, often fatal complications caused by the disease. That’s the bad news…but the good news is that a cure for Type 1 Diabetes is within reach. Having Type 1 Diabetes has not stopped Hope from doing what she wants. Our brave Hope turns eleven on August 21st, but in so many ways is much older than her years. She doesn’t want pity or sympathy - she’s a real trooper - she just wants a cure! So she asked if we could participate in the JDRF walk to raise money for the cure. We are so proud of Hope. Several of our family members have formed a team, appropriately called “HOPEY’S HOPE”, and will be walking on September 16, 2007 in Peoria, Illinois. Our team goal is $500, we are asking for your help. Won’t you join Hope as she aspires to “HOPEY’S HOPE”? If you can sponsor our team with a gift of $10, $20, or more please use the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope to 405 Keller St. Bartonville IL, 61607. You can also donate online at
http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=86740602.
Thank you for your consideration and time. We HOPE to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
The Family of Hope Doyle
P.s. Make check payable to JDRF
Again Thank you for all of your support!!
