Diabetes changes family's life

Life was fairly normal in the White household until March 26 last year, when my granddaughter Maighan, then just five, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

She was immediately hospitalised as her pancreas had stopped producing insulin.

She was first in Gosford then transferred to John Hunter in New Lambton.

Together with the emotional and physical effect this had on the family, there had to be an immediate intensive program of education for Maighan's parents John and Allison. There has been a ripple effect on the extended family and friends because Maighan can only spend time away from her parents with those who can manage her treatment.

John and his friends lived on the Peninsula for many years where he worked at the Woy Woy Abattoir.

When it ceased operating the family moved to Kurri Kurri, so John could continue his employment as a meat inspector at the local meat works.

Maighan's brother, Oliver, 8, is learning that daily life with his sister is an endless number of finger pricks and needles.

Maighan is now very brave and there is hardly any fuss at needle time.

Maighan and her family have a wonderful team of dedicated doctors, dieticians and support workers at John Hunter Hospital.

They sent out an educator to the school at Stanford Methyr so the teachers and staff can monitor her and give necessary treatment.

The support by all those involved in any way with managing her has been overwhelming.

It has been wonderful to see the support and generosity shown by local schools through their participation of National Walk to School Day on May 15.

This special day is a joint initiative between Diabetes Australia, the Heart Foundation and Cancer Council to promote healthy and active lifestyles in children.

Also during the month of May, merchandise is sold to raise money for diabetes towards vital research.

I encourage everyone to get involved in some way especially throughout National Diabetes Week from July 13 to 19.

Maighan loves to write stories and she and her family are an inspiration.

The latest addition to this happy family is an eight-week-old Jack Russell puppy: "There once was a dog. His name was Jumpy. He loved to jump and he loved to hop. He was playing with hoops. He loved to chase birds. He was eating all of the grass and all of the pegs."

Shirley O'Malley, Woy Woy