Our daughter, McKenzie’s, unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination led her to the emergency room in May 1997.  With a blood glucose test of 618, at just eight years old, McKenzie was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), without any genetic connection to the disease.

Over the next three days in the hospital, we immersed ourselves in understanding the disease that would now be a part of McKenzie’s and our lives.  Despite being only eight years old, McKenzie took on the responsibility of conducting her own blood glucose testing and administering insulin shots. This demanding routine required at least five finger sticks a day, followed by five insulin shots.  We all became well-versed in carbohydrate counting, managing blood glucose levels and providing guidance on insulin management. Traditional childhood activities like sleepovers and vacations necessitated extensive preparation and a significant amount of anxiety for us.

In 2004, McKenzie received her first Insulin pump.  Numerous finger sticks were still needed for blood glucose testing.  The pump would deliver insulin based on units selected by McKenzie.  Carb counting, blood glucose and insulin dosage still needed calculated.

While attending college in 2009, McKenzie made the choice to discontinue using her insulin pump and instead somewhat manage her T1D with finger sticks and insulin shots.  This decision ultimately led to McKenzie being hospitalized for Diabetic Ketoacidosis. We will always be thankful for her college friend Brooke, who recognized her need for assistance, took her to the hospital, and contacted us.

McKenzie started using the Dexcom sensor and the Omnipod in 2012.  The Dexcom continuously measures glucose levels just beneath the skin and sends the data to her cell phone every five minutes.  No more finger sticks!  The Omnipod provides non-stop insulin delivery through a tubeless, wireless pod that is changed every three days.  No more daily insulin injections!  Both devices are controlled by her cell phone so no more extra supplies to carry around!  Because of this technology, McKenzie’s A1C has been below 6% since 2015, from an all-time high of 14.1% that day in the hospital.

The addition of continuous glucose monitoring and nonstop insulin delivery system was a welcomed improvement in McKenzie’s T1D management.  In 2017, McKenzie tied the knot with Nate Robinson, the man of her dreams.  Just two years later the joyous news of their first child on the way was announced.

Due to the challenges in managing blood sugar levels caused by pregnancy hormones, any pregnancy involving T1D is classified as high risk.  Extra medical appointments and testing were needed to monitor the well-being of both McKenzie and the baby.  Most T1D mothers have larger babies and this was the case with McKenzie.  She was induced on December 19^th, 2019 and ended up having a C-section to deliver the light of our lives, Daphne Robinson.  Shortly after birth, Daphne was admitted to the neonatal care unit for low blood sugar levels.

As evident, living with T1D poses challenges.  The JDRF, now known as Breakthrough T1D, has consistently been a guiding force for us. Witness how McKenzie, at just eight years old, has experienced life-altering improvements thanks to the organization’s unwavering dedication to research.

When JDRF established a chapter in 2004 and invited me to join the Board of Directors, I eagerly embraced the chance.  The core mission of the organization is to ultimately discover a cure for my daughter’s T1D.

In 2010, my wife Deb became a part of the JDRF Gala committee, dedicating her effort to fundraising that directly supports vital research.

The progress being made by Breakthrough T1D, does not stop at the amazing technology that keeps those living with T1D safer. There is real time screening for those with a family history of T1D AND those without. There is a cutting-edge drug on the market that delays and will ultimately prevent the need for artificial insulin in those who test positive for T1D markers.

There are also currently 12 patients enrolled in a study by Vertex, with implanted insulin producing cells (with NO immunosuppressive drugs!). 11 of those patients have eliminated their need for insulin injections of any kind. SIMPLY GROUNDBREAKING.

None of this progress happens without the support of communities and families. This is why we are so passionate about this mission and why we ask you to consider supporting along side of us.

We are humbled by the honor of accepting the Promise Award at the Eastern Iowa Promise Gala on October 19^th in Cedar Rapids. It would mean so much for you to join us in the support of work that will cure our sweet McKenzie and protect future loved ones from this disease.

You can support us by attending the event or making a gift in honor of our family. We are beyond grateful for the friends and family that surrounded us at the time of her diagnosis and continue to stand by us today. We are blessed with the best!

Thank you for considering support of this fun and impactful evening.