It is Sunday, October 18, 1992 in Bristol, Rhode Island at Colt State Park. There are thousands milling around the area awaiting the start signal for ADA's 10K. I am amongst the throng. I have raised my 975 dollars, which will be allocated to print some 20 thousand diabetes at risk quizzes distributed in major companies' paychecks to identify the 25 thousand undiagnosed Rhode Islanders. My friends and co-workers are with me and ready to run too.

It is Sunday, October 18, 1992 in Bristol, Rhode Island at Colt State Park. There are thousands milling around the area awaiting the start signal for ADA's 10K. I am amongst the throng. I have raised my 975 dollars, which will be allocated to print some 20 thousand diabetes at risk quizzes distributed in major companies' paychecks to identify the 25 thousand undiagnosed Rhode Islanders. My friends and co-workers are with me and ready to run too. Looking back, did I really even know what diabetes was and what the American Diabetes Association did for those afflicted with the disease?

Fast forward the clock some 11 years. I am in Florida, married with two sons, sitting in a hospital with my second born, who just received the diagnosis of juvenile diabetes at the tender age of four. Three years later, the year is 2006, I am bringing my first born child to the hospital already recognizing he has juvenile diabetes, too. What is the American Diabetes Association to me? My extended family and link to other families who live the diabetes lifestyle. ADA was the first call I made to get my family support; a "Wizdom Kit" introducing them to their disease in a child friendly way, support groups, and activities for us to participate in. I have made valuable friendships with other mothers and staff members. We are all a team going out in the world advocating diabetes rights and awareness. I am not alone when school issues arise, as blood is considered a "weapon" and diabetic youth are not allowed to test their sugars in the classroom. The American Diabetes Association has lobbyists, litigators and activists in our corner. My sons are not alone when they attend Camp JADA with 100 other children with diabetes.

After their first year at camp, my five year old told me, "Mom, you have NO idea how much fun it is to have diabetes." Our history with North Florida's ADA staff is one that surpasses the realm of business, as they are there for us on a personal level. Whether it is Sheri, Paige, Mandy, or Kimberly; over the years they have seen my tears, shared my pain. My children are growing up believing ADA is their own personal support agency. I recall an ADA October Bash, held as outdoor fair each fall, when I met another mom who had two sons with diabetes. This connection for me was huge. Now, I know what the American Diabetes Association is and means to those who have diabetes, and I am very grateful. Thank you!