I believe God gifts us by entering certain people into our lives and everyone you meet is for a reason. I was blessed to have John Lee enter mine. John Lee is the son of Julia, one of my boyfriend’s mom’s friends. John Lee has been over to the house and we have had breakfasts together after church on Sunday. He loves Mr. Grumples and he loves to talk. He’s one of the smartest and brightest kids I know. He makes you want to talk to him and he always has something interesting to say. His smile and laugh is contagious and he just brightens up your day. He has a big heart and a very strong head on his shoulders. After meeting him, you would never expect from his positive outlook on life that he is battling type 1 diabetes. He doesn’t complain, he very educated about it, he’s on top of it, and he’s such a fighter. He’s one of the biggest inspirations I know.
If we could all be like John Lee…
A couple weeks ago, his mom asked Nick and I to walk the JDRF One Walk on his team. Thousands of walkers were there and they were all ready to help raise money to find a cure.
I wanted to share John Lee’s story on my blog and asked his mom, Julia, to write it. No one else could tell it better!
John Lee’s Story
Our family was headed to the lake on Friday, August 11, 2011 for what was going to be our last blast before school started the following Wednesday. John Lee was 5 years old and would be starting kindergarten. A couple of weeks had passed with lots of thirst, bathroom visits, and plenty of lethargy. I attributed it to the heat of August. I should have known better. I’m not sure why it wasn’t crystal clear. I went through the same thing at 21. After many reassurances from pediatricians and my own doctors that I would know immediately, I convinced myself that he would NOT be a Type 1 diabetic.
That Friday night, we could deny it no more. His thirst and need to go to the bathroom had increased excessively in the previous 24 hours. I had the meter to check him so when the >600 popped up, there was no more denying. We were advised to take him to Levine Children’s Emergency Room where he was formally diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Life changed for him instantly. This small 5 year old now had to contend with getting his fingers pricked multiple times per day (7 to 9 times) to discover if his blood glucose level was high, low, or possibly just right. He also started getting insulin shots with breakfast, lunch, and supper, as well as with snacks and high BG levels. Both the highs and the lows bring distinct problems: confusion and shakiness from the lows, exhaustion, nausea, and headaches from the highs. There will always be the threat of heart, kidney, and vision problems on his horizon. It is almost impossible to keep his readings between the normal 70 to 110. The slightest emotional upset, sickness, or miscalculated carb count can send his BG through the roof. This can bring on ketoacidosis, a life threatening syndrome brought on by high blood glucose levels affecting the liver.
John Lee is now 8 years old. He is one of the happiest and sweetest boys you could ever meet. He carries a spark of life that is contagious. He does not complain about his lot in life. He is very mature about it. If you ask him what he wishes more than anything else, he will be quick to say he wishes for the day that he will not have Type 1 Diabetes. We are close to that day. With more funds for research, a day without bruised fingers from multiple needle pricks, a bruised abdomen from pump site changes, the fear of serious health issues in the future, and an overall feeling of difference IS on the horizon. – Julia
“As you know John Lee has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since August of 2011. Diagnosed at the age of 5, his daily life involves high blood glucose readings, low blood glucose readings, finger pricks, insulin pump site changes, watching his carbohydrate intake, feeling tired, feeling sick, and feeling different. This past year, he has faced levels of high ketones. A condition that develops when the body breaks down fat to use for energy because it can’t find the insulin to break down gucose to do this. If not treated immediately, it can lead to severe sickness.”…continue reading
Thank you John Lee for letting me be apart of your life. Your determination, the fight in you, and your positivity is truly inspiring and you are changing lives.
God has a plan with you!
Almost 3 Million people in the U.S. are fighting type 1 diabetes! Lets help find a cure! Every cent or dollar makes a difference!
Emily says
Wow, thanks for sharing that Tara! It sure makes a person appreciate their blessings in life. I really admire John Lee for his optimism despite the challenges he faces on a daily basis.
Ashley says
Beautiful kid! So strong… What a great mother.
Check out this type 1 diabetic who I follow on youtube… His story might interest you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gpW_TbaafFs
Kristin C says
I am going to share this on Facebook.
It is such a heart-warming thing to see you, Nick, and his family working to help this sweet boy. That’s awesome.
My husband’s entire family has diabetes, which is scary.
Linda @ The Fitty says
aw, what a sweet, sweet kid!
Janell says
Hi Taralynn, This story gave me chills because like John Lee, my daughter Karly was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 4, back in 1995. We have also walked many times to help raise money. She will be 20 years old this year. It has been a constant battle and it never goes away. She is in college now and I worry about her everyday.
Carrie says
*1999
Cassie says
What a beautiful little boy and what an inspirational story. It breaks my heart to see innocent young kids with such obstacles but I am so proud when they overcome them.
I also see that they surpassed their goal! Congratulations!
Sarah says
I logged onto your website to look for a recipe and found this story. Thank you for sharing this! It is so inspirational and a perfect reminder that there are so many people out there dealing with bigger struggles. I’m so impressed with his maturity and sincerely admire his optimistic outlook.
Jessica Marshall says
Thanks for sharing John Lee’s story!
What hurts me most is the constant monitoring and strict dieting, the guilt of not following my diet and the complications that come with it, the diaper bag full of supplies I need to bring with me when I go anywhere. It’s a lot to deal with!
I’ve been following a great program with scientific evidence that can help all diabetics.. my friend told me about a Doctor who had a segment on Oprah.. his website is http://goawaydiabetes.org
Have been on his program for 5 weeks.
Within the first week my blood glucose levels dropped 20-30 points.
In the last four weeks it dropped even more and I have maintained within 80-110 on my morning checks.
Have used all the advice in this program and amazingly I’ve eliminated the nightly dosage of Metformin. My goal is to eliminate all medications.
I really think we need to bring awareness to these types of programs, it’s the only thing that’s offered me a true glimmer of hope.
Kelsey says
Thanks for sharing John Lees story! Loved it! I’ve been a diabetic for 21 years and his story is very similar to my own… dying of thirst, lost weight very quickly, peeing every 2 minutes, blurry eyes, all the symptoms were there for me too! I’m glad to see he’s living his life to the fullest and working hard to stay healthy! Great job!
Beth says
Wow
Donna says
Wow! Thanks for sharing his story. Posting on pinterest for educational purposes.
Kerri McGrail says
One of my best friends was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when we were twelve. I have learned so much from her. It really is a lot to deal with especially for a young child!
raleigh says
What a little hero!
qui says
Wonderful Post!