I am proud to be riding the Ride to Cure Diabetes for kids like Tom who face the challenge
of a lifetime with diabetes.
The following is a letter from Tom
explaining what a cure would mean to him.
Tim asked what a cure would mean to me. I can tell you in one word: FREEDOM.
I would have freedom
from my insulin pump that is attached to my body every hour of every day, all
year long.
I would have freedom
from sticking a needle into the palm of my hand to check my blood sugar every
time I wanted or needed to eat.
I would have freedom
from feeling sick whenever my blood sugar goes too high or too low.
I would have the freedom
to sleep in and enjoy my day without the constant reminders that I have
diabetes.
I would have the freedom
to “cheat” or “sneak” and eat things that I’m not supposed to eat, and not get
caught!
I would have freedom from worrying about complications from my disease.
I would have the freedom
to think I could be anything I wanted when I grow up, including an airline
pilot or an astronaut.
I would have the freedom to be a kid, before I grow up.
Tom Henry