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Dear Friends & Family,

DYF is having trouble right now because the corporations who give us grants are being seriously impacted by the current economy.  I am not asking for your help because I work for DYF, but I am asking because of what DYF has done for my family and what it continues to do for families every day.  All I really am is a steward for the mission of this organization - to help improve the QUALITY OF LIFE for children, teens and families affected by type 1 diabetes - through the programs we run with the help of so many passionate volunteers.  If I haven't already shared with you, I absolutely LOVE MY JOB!!

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes at 9, I remember getting up extra early each morning to prick my finger, take my insulin shot and wait 2 hours for the insulin to kick in before I could eat breakfast with my little brother and sister before school... I recall innocently wondering what I could have possibly done that was so wrong to have been diagnosed with such a wretched disease so young.

I asked this question every day until I experienced Camp.  Bearskin Meadow Camp was the very first place I ever met another kid who knew what that felt like - to wonder what we could've done differently - what it felt like to have other little kids laugh when you cracked open a 'diet' soda, go to the doctors every other month, to wish you never had to see your parents tear up when they gave their child an injection.  But camp also gave me hope.... I know this sounds a bit extreme, but camp was the first time I saw with my own young eyes a 30 year-old adult living HEALTHILY with type 1 diabetes.  I knew from that point forward that I wasn't going to be one of those statistics; blind, aputated limbs, heart disease, neuropathy, kidney failure, or be on dialysis.

The DYF empowers kids to be just like every other "normal" kid and teaches us that diabetes is just another facet of your life that you can control, or it will control you.  I am a stronger person because of my diabetes.  I owe much of that mentality to BMC, but also to my mother who dragged me, Bobby and Jenny to camp for the very first time. 

DYF has helped to shape me into the happy, healthy and thankfully well-adjusted individual I am today.  :)

I know everyone is hurting right now with the economy.  But all I'm asking is for you to give what you can to help support the magic BMC creates and the hope it gives kids and families.  I would have never been able to go to Camp had it not been for the generous scholarships DYF gives families who are in need... Even $25 will make a HUGE difference. 

Sending so much love to each of you.  Thank you thank you thank you.

---Please forward this to anyone you think would like to help!