The Hope for Hannah walk team has raised nearly $25,000 the over the past five years
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
Hannah, 10, Jacob, 8 and Caleb, 5, are pictured with Jared Allen of the Kansas City Chiefs. Jared has promised to donate $300 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation each time he sacks the quarterback. Last year he made nine sacks.
Hannah, Jacob and Caleb Boyd are captains of the Hope for Hannah walk team for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which has raised nearly $25,000 for the over the past five years. They are the children of Teri and Jim Boyd of rural Gallatin. The children are pictured with Jared Allen, defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, and spokesperson for the JDRF.
Hannah was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in 2000 at the age of five.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
There are two major types of diabetes. Type 2 is more common. It develops gradually and is characterized by insulin deficiency and resistance. Treatment can include medical nutrition therapy, oral medications and injections.
Hannah has Type I diabetes which is an autoimmune disorder. It is characterized by the loss of insulin producing cells and requires insulin delivered by injection or through a pump.
At two-years-old Hannah was always easy going. Teri, a pharmacist, knew something was wrong when her daughter’s behavior became erratic. She suspected the cause because Hannah had some of the usual symptoms of diabetes, which include being exceptionally thirsty, dry mouth, the need to urinate often, weight loss (even though a person may be hungry and eating well), feeling weak and tired and blurry vision.
Hannah was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at Children’s Mercy. She wears an insulin pump to help her maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Without the pump she would have to have her blood sugar taken frequently and take as many as four shots a day. Unless a cure is found, she will be insulin dependent for the rest of her life.
The Hope for Hannah team credits their fund-raising success to the generosity of many local businesses, family members and friends.