A GoFundMe fundraiser was created to help 10-year old Layla who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes three years ago.
When Layla was first diagnosed, she and her family spent a week in the hospital while she recovered from diabetic ketoacidosis – a life threatening complication that sometimes occurs in people with undiagnosed diabetes.
While in the hospital the family received a “crash course in how to manage diabetes” and have been learning more every step of the way.
Layla enjoys dancing, playing with her friends and camping. Her family works hard not to allow diabetes to get in the way of the things she loves.
However, Type 1 diabetes requires 24/7 monitoring of Layla’s blood sugar. This even includes monitoring during the night because growing children’s blood sugars can spike or drop at any given moment.
So, Layla uses a glucose monitor. However, these devices are not the most reliable to use because you have to be very aware of what your body experiences in the highs and lows, even at night.
The family has recently been accepted into the Service Dog Program with Assistance Service Dogs BC. However, the funds to fully train and certify the dog are not something the family can handle on their own.
Having a service dog will alert Layla of highs and lows, increase her safety and it will also lift some of the worry the family carries.
A new service dog will give Layla confidence to venture out on her own a little more and become more independent – like going to the park or a sleepover with friends.
The family of five are active members of the community, they give back, volunteer and support Kelowna whenever they can.
Help Layla and her family meet their goal of $25,000 so they can welcome a new service dog to the family!
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