Family and Friends,

On march 9, 2008 our family will be walking with Families in the Forest. Families in the Forest is a walk to help raise money for the Diabetic Youth Foundation (DYF). Since Sierra was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a year and a half ago, DYF has become one of the greatest resources in helping our family to learn about and live with diabetes.

DYF's sole purpose is to educate, support and help kids and families affected by this disease. DYF offers many different programs all year long that families can participate in so that kids and families can learn to manage diabetes, as well as spend time and connect with other kids living just like they do. For a child with diabetes, this means 9 or more finger sticks a day with a needle to check blood sugar levels, 4-6 shots a day to give insulin, or if on an insulin pump a shot every three days to insert an insulin tube under their skin.

One of our favorite programs at DYF is family camp. Last year was our first year to attend camp and one of the most life changing events we have ever experienced. Family camp, also known as Bearskin Meadows, is located in the Sequoia National Forest. Every day the kids participate in archery, swimming, hiking, crafts, camp fires, water sports and more, all while managing their diabetes together. It is so wonderful for all of the kids to test blood sugars, give shots, do set changes and count those carbs together! For one whole week, all of these kids (in our session alone...and there are 5 sessions, there were over 100 kids) get to live their life with everyone else who lives the life of diabetes and understands the daily challenges.

At camp, while the kids are having all kinds of fun in the morning, the parents are in seminars learning about diabetes from some of the most well known Dr.'s and endocrinologists in the nation, as well as learning from each other. In the afternoons, the families get together for activities, meals, campfires and more. There are even classes for the siblings who don't have diabetes, to help them understand this disease and help them with any emotional challenges they are facing (feeling left out etc..).

One of the things we heard over and over from kids last year is "I don't want a cure for diabetes because that would mean no more family camp!" DYF offers programs like this all year long for all families affected by this disease. We believe that our family would not be where we are on this journey without DYF and all of the programs they offer. And we consistently hear this from other families as well.

If you are able to make a contribution, please sponsor us in the walk. In addition, if you are in the Livermore area on March 9th, we would love for you to walk with us to support Sierra and her diabetes. Just let us know! Until there is a cure, DYF is has been and will be Sierra's and our greatest resource while living with this disease.

Thank you for your help!

The Presson's

Eric, Gina, Morgan & Sierra