Brenda Novak's On-Line Diabetes Auction:
2005: we raised$35,000
2006: we raised $62,500!
2007: we raised over $141,700!
2008: we raised over $252,000!
2009: we raised over $270,000!
2010 Auction--May 1-May 31: We're almost there!
See what I donated in: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
We're gearing up for the 2009 Juvenile Diabetes On-Line Auction, which benefits the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami. The auction starts May 1st and runs through May 31st.
Brenda Novak, a bestselling romance author I am acquainted with is chairing a major fundraiser/on-line auction for this foundation.
Why Am I Involved?
Because diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases today. Because it's a devastating
disease. And because it touches my family personally. My husband has Type 1 diabetes,
so I know on a very detailed level what strains this disorder puts on the body.
While some cases of Type 2 diabetes can be controlled via diet and exercise, juvenile--or
Type 1--diabetes is a different matter.
I watch Samwise try to calculate his insulin needs three-four times a day, every single day of his life, and there's no clear formula--everything alters your need for insulin, from working out to not eating enough to eating too much to not enough sleep...so there's a constant balancing act going on trying to reproduce what the body should be doing naturally. I've pulled him out of seizures at night, a few too many times to ever sleep well. I've learned more than I ever wanted to learn about the delicate balance in a diabetic's life between working out, diet, sleep, and stress.
About Type 1 Diabetes
Juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, is an especially rough condition
to cope with. There's no real knowledge of how it begins, though it's thought a
virus may be the culprit. Those who have it--including my husband--must rely on
several shots of insulin throughout the day to stay alive. Typically, type 1 is
developed before the age of 20, although some people (like Samwise) come to it late--he
developed it when he was 27. In some cases, babies are born with it.
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin
is responsible for regulating the blood glucose levels. When insulin levels are
reduced, the body cannot utilize nutrients from food and an undiagnosed Type 1 diabetic
will starve to death if left untreated. The lack of insulin causes the blood sugar
to soar out of control and prevents the body from absorbing nutrients out of the
food, which is why people who contract diabetes show drastic weight loss when they
haven't been dieting.
In addition, the inability of the body to produce insulin can cause blindness, neuropathy, gangrene, and a host of horrible problems.
Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Reversed or Cured?
Type 1 diabetes, unlike some cases Type 2 diabetes, cannot be reversed or cured
at this time. This is a serious condition that debilitates so many people, and we
need to find out why it happens, and how to prevent it, and with a little luck--how
to cure it, or at least make it more liveable.
Potentials For Better Lives
There are research trials going on right now that could make life so much more bearable.
They're testing the injection of insulin cells into the pancreas. Once every six
months or so, the diabetic would get a shot...while the cells would slowly die off
(because Type 1 is an autoimmune reaction of the body and often leads--as in my
husband's case--to autoimmune disorders like the thyroid quitting, and in some people,
the adrenal glands shutting down), they would do so over a period of about six months,
meaning the diabetic would no longer need daily shots, but only a shot every six
months or so. That would be such a blessing.
Stem cell research is very close to several major breakthroughs that would--if not outright cure--make life much more bearable for those who have type 1 diabetes. We NEED government funded research--don't let the big drug companies' lobbyists win out--vote for stem cell research, encourage your congress person to support it.
Together, we can find a cure. Be part of the solution. Make a difference.
What I've Donated in Past Years
In 2009, I donated:
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Spend the afternoon with Yasmine, first at lunch, then at a coffee house. You must be in the Bellevue WA area or make arrangements to be there (airfare/travel/taxi/hotel expenses not included). Yasmine will treat you to lunch at the steakhouse—time to be set according to Yasmine’s schedule and yours, and then go for coffee.
IN ADDITION, she will give a rare critique (something she hardly ever does) of your synopsis and first chapter of your Work in Progress. You must sign a waiver that you have agreed to let her look at your work and that it is original—no fanfiction, please. Be warned: she is a hard critic, but fair—her critiques aren’t for the faint of heart or those who just want to hear ‘it’s great.’ So, if you’ve ever wanted to meet one of your favorite authors in person, now’s your chance! The WIP chapter must be submitted to her several weeks before lunch together. Lunch/the critique must be arranged/taken within the 2009 calendar year.
USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy for Berkley: both the bestselling Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon Series for Berkley and will soon have a second urban fantasy series on the shelves. In the past, she wrote mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and nonfiction metaphysical books. Her books have hit the New York Times and USA Today extended bestseller lists numerous times.
Yasmine has been in the Craft for over 28 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Bellevue WA with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her website at www.galenorn.com, via MySpace: www.myspace.com/yasminegalenorn and Blogger: http://yasmine-galenorn.blogspot.com. She is also the co-founder of the Witchy Chicks blog http://witchychicks.blogspot.com.
In 2008, I donated a Sisters of the Moon/Otherworld basket (went for $575)
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In 2007, I donated a Magic Happens basket (went for $210)
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In 2006, I donated a basket including (went for $102.50)
In 2005, I donated a basket including (went for around$85)
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