Family affected by diabetes aims to raise funds, awareness

Krysten Burch thought her daughter, Cadence, just had the flu.

The 5-year-old girl felt ill at school and was throwing up.

She slept fine, but the next morning Cadence had difficulty breathing and getting out of bed. Her body was limp and she complained of chest pain. Her stomach problems continued at the hospital. She was given Popsicles in an attempt to keep her hydrated.

The mother said she and her daughter discovered the real cause of the problem when the big hospital glucometer was rolled into the room.

Cadence was suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes that happens when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketone. The seriously sick girl was taken to the pediatric intensive care unit.

Cadence was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes -- also known as juvenile diabetes.

"I was shocked," the mother said. "I was crying, and Cadence kept telling me that she was okay."

While still in the hospital, Cadence learned to give herself shots of insulin with a hypodermic needle by practicing on an orange. Cadence, now 11, said she can do it with her eyes closed but wears an insulin pump making the shots unnecessary. It is orange, her favorite color.

They would like to see the day when diabetes is a thing of the past, when neither shots or pumps are needed.

The two say that is why they will be among those walking on Oct. 3 in the 19th annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation One Walk, the goal of which is to find a way to end diabetes. The event is at the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center on South Lumpkin Road in Columbus from 9:30 a.m. until noon.

"It is important we participate to get money for research," Cadence said.

Cadence is a sixth grade student at Faith Middle School on Fort Benning. Her father is Staff Sgt. Mark Burch. Her parents and three sisters have been tested, but she is the only one with diabetes.

The family was stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky when Ca

dence first became sick.

The JDRF describes diabetes as a disorder of the body's immune system.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system destroys certain cells in the pancreas called beta cells, which produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body move the glucose (sugar) contained in food cells throughout the body, which use it for energy. But when beta cells are destroyed, no insulin can be produced and the glucose stays in the blood where it can cause serious damage to body organs.

People with Type 1 diabetes must carefully balance their food intake and exercise to regulate their blood sugar. They must prick their fingers five or six times during the day to test their blood sugar.

"You get used to it. My mom can prick my finger while I am sleeping and I don't even feel it," Cadence said.

Looking back to when Cadence's diabetes was first discovered, her mother said the signs were there.

"She was always thirsty. She would drink four to six bottles of water per day. I thought her mouth was dry because of an allergy medicine she was taking. Her appetite grew. She was eating a lot more, but was losing weight. I thought it might be a growth spurt," she said.

Cadence keeps her blood sugar under control and stays active. She is a Girl Scout and swims with the Columbus Hurricanes.

"I don't let diabetes stop me," she said.

She is looking forward to the walk that will take place rain or shine,

"Wherever we have lived, my family has participated," she said.

The goal is to have 500 walkers participate and raise at least $56,400.

Walkers are asked to make a donation to the JDRF and raise as much money as they can from friends, family and associates. All donations are tax deductible. No donation is too small.

There will be a lot of activities the day of the walk. There will be face painting, a bounce house, a rock wall and music.

Walkers are encouraged to make their donations and to register early for the walk by going online at www.walk.jdrf.org. On-site registration and donations can be made the day of the walk beginning at 8 a.m.

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 9:16 PM with the headline "Family affected by diabetes aims to raise funds, awareness ."