Multi-Purpose Neal Family Pediatric Diabetes Fund Benefits Families of Diagnosed Children
Living with type 1 diabetes can be stressful for kids, but a local event gives them a night of fun and support.
The family-friendly Dance for Diabetes returns for its third year on February 10. “The dance was conceived and organized by four women who have been affected by type 1 diabetes, either as a parent or person living with type 1 diabetes, or both, and who are passionate about helping others living with this chronic disease,” said one of the event organizers, Dara Luangpraseut.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas only produces a little or no insulin, a hormone that allows sugar to enter cells to produce energy, she said. The condition appears in childhood but can also develop in adults.
Type 1 diabetes does not have a known cure, and treatment revolves around managing blood sugar levels with insulin and maintaining a special diet and lifestyle to prevent further complications. Those diagnosed with the disease must deal with it 24/7.
Dance for Diabetes benefits the Neal Family Pediatric Diabetes Fund. This is an angel fund through Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation that was established by Luangpraseut and John Neal in honor of their daughter Fiona Neal, following her diagnosis in 2014. Last year’s Dance for Diabetes raised $26,000 and attracted 382 registered participants, a 50-person increase from 2016.
Families who need financial assistance because of a child’s diagnosis and continued care are served through the fund, which benefited 268 diagnosed children in 2017. Of the 500 pediatric diabetes patients, 15-20% of their families experience financial hardship.
Children living with type 1 diabetes also have the chance to go to diabetes camp during the summer, which is staffed by volunteer medical professionals and counselors, some of whom live with diabetes themselves.
“The fund also provides life-saving, child-friendly items to children living with type 1 diabetes such as ID bracelets, fun diabetes supplies (bags, stickers, skins for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, belts for insulin pumps), diabetes backpacks, continuous glucose monitors, medications or medical supplies that are not covered by health insurance,” said Luangpraseut. “The Fund aims to enrich the lives of children living with type 1 diabetes and provide something fun (like stickers, skins, and colorful bags) for a not-so-fun condition.”
Over 100 children were helped by the fund in 2016, and that number jumped to 268 the next year.
The third annual dance will be 6-9 on February 10 at Hotel Marshfield. “It is the only event we know of in Central Wisconsin that welcomes children and families of all ages to a fun evening of dancing and other activities in the middle of winter!” said Luangpraseut. “It is a fun evening that raises awareness about type 1 diabetes and empowers kids and teens (as well as adults) living with type 1 diabetes to live beyond their diagnosis and offers them support and acceptance from their friends, family and community.”
Some of the fun activities planned include DJ music, face-painting, raffle baskets, costumes, animal balloons, and educational materials. The Wall of Fame will feature photographs of local children and teens diagnosed with type 1 diabetes doing their favorite activities, as well as celebrities like Nick Jonas and athlete Jay Cutler, who both have diabetes.
A half-hour presentation at 7 p.m. will show videos of families the fund has touched, and health professionals and community members who support diagnosed children.
Cost of admission is $20 per person or $50 for a household family. Certain levels of donations can also include the admission price. Visit this website for details. Visit the @DanceforT1Diabetes for frequent updates.
Who
Those who feel “Better When They Are Dancing” for a great cause
What
A family FUNdraiser, filled with dancing, raffles, snacks, photobooth, and more!
Where
Hotel Marshfield
Marshfield, WI
When
Saturday, February 10, 2018
6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.
Why
Proceeds support the Neal Family Pediatric Diabetes Fund at Marshfield Clinic, which provides support and education to families of children with T1 Diabetes.
Learn more about the Neal Family Pediatric Diabetes Fund, additional sponsorship opportunities, including Presenting Sponsor. Please contact Dara Luangpraseut for more information at [email protected].
