My name is Jordan Exber and I am 14 years old. I am many  things to many people: a daughter, a big sister, a cousin, a niece, a friend, and a student.
On August 18, 2006, I became something else. On that day last year, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and joined millions of other children who suffer from this chronic disease. Many of them are very young and diabetes is a tremendous burden to manage, at any age.
Type 1 diabetes is not caused by what you eat or what you do. Type 1 is the most severe form of diabetes and is an autoimmune disease wherein your immune system mistakenly attacks your pancreas and you stop making a life-sustaining hormone called insulin. It strikes suddenly and dramatically changes your life.
My family and I found out that there would be a lot to consider every day, just to stay alive. I now have to prick my finger to test my blood sugar 8-10 times a day. I average 8 insulin injections per day. Every time I eat, I have to check my blood sugar, count carbs, factor in my activity level, calculate an insulin dosage, and give myself a shot. Someone in my family has to check on me every night to make sure my blood glucose doesn't drop too low or I could suffer serious consequences; it is a constant balancing act.
Along with the many things I listed above, I am also something else: an advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and I am doing everything I can to raise awareness and money to help improve millions of lives. JDRF offers diabetics hope. The Foundation's sole mission is to find a cure for diabetes and diabetic complications. They are funding research to a degree that it makes finding a cure possible.
I have formed a Walk Team called For the Love of Jordan. On October 20, 2007, my friends and I will be walking at UNLV to raise money.
Please help me raise research dollars. With your support, we can make a difference in the lives of over 21,000,000 million Americans, who - like me - struggle daily with unimaginable challenges. I need your help. I need your support. We can't do this alone.
I dream of a cure; diabetes takes a toll on the body, spirit, family and friends of those afflicted with this disease. We must find a cure and I believe we will find one! The time to act is now so please give generously if you can. Please support me and my Walk Team, For the Love of Jordan.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
To make a tax deductible donation go to For the Love of Jordan
You may also make a tax deductible donation to JDRF by going to www.JDRF.org , click on Donate under WALK CENTRAL, go to SUPPORT A WALKER, fill in team name, For the Love of Jordan, then click on FIND WALKER. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Nordling, 702-595-4186.
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