A big thank you to Sam Bayford-Brown for sharing her story on charityspam:
Toby, our 14 year old son has type 1 diabetes.
We have spent the past four years navigating the ups and downs of Toby’s diabetes, with many stresses and stains along the way. To live, his body needs insulin and the maturity to accept and deal with the everyday routine which is keeping him alive.
Luckily for our family we were accepted by Paws For Diabetes to be eligible for a medical alert dog.
Medical Alert Dogs are trained to smell the chemical body changes that occur as the insulin levels increase or drop. When a child is experiencing a high or low, their body is releasing chemicals that change their typical scent.
In April we were overjoyed when Austin joined our family. An 8 week old groodle who was selected through the breeding programme of groodles (golden retriever x poodle) Australia and the guidance of Paws Diabetes.
Austin is no ordinary puppy, he is a registered service dog who is currently on an intense programme learning to alert and support Toby. This training will continue for one year. With the assistance of Paws Diabetes, Toby and I are teaching Austin, our dog-paramedic, to alert for highs and lows, plus many other tasks if Toby becomes ill.
Austin brings great joy to the family, and supports Toby in staying safe and alive. He helps give me peace of mind at night and helps to raise awareness educating people in our local community, Tobys school and sport groups.
We are so grateful to have Austin, and in attempt to give back and support the organisation that is supporting us – Paws Diabetes, next week, I am hosting a Wine and Cheese-making (and eating) night fundraiser, as my way of saying thank you. I hope you can come!
Date: from 6pm, Thursday 10th May – yes next week!
Venue: Brisbane Golf Club, 70 Tennyson Memorial Avenue, Yeerongpilly
Cost: $45 per person, includes a demonstration of how to make mozzarella by Green Living, wine tasting of four different local wines accompanied with the cheeses to go with them.
Tickets purchased through the club ph: 3848 1008 or via email lauren@brisbanegolfclub.com.au
A social evening and all for a good cause, Paws Diabetes, hope you can join us x
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