Look What I Found...

I was hunting through the local online Newspaper archives (Maddison's Halloween Article I posted last got nibbled on by the puppy!) and came across a different Halloween article I don't even remember us interviewing for. I like this one better though...because it tells it like it is!!

Here is the document version that was published.....

Have fun, remember diabetes
Arizona Republic - Phoenix, Ariz.
Author: Philip Haldiman
Date: Oct 31, 2008
Start Page: 14
Section: Glendale Republic 19
Text Word Count: 482

Document Text
Tonight, Maddison Lyons, 8, will do most of the things her friends do: attend her Peoria neighborhood's block party as a witch, walk in the parade of costumes and, of course, trick or treat.

But Maddison's parents will have to keep a close eye on her -- she has type 1 diabetes.

Although the causes of type 1 diabetes are not entirely known, scientists believe the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. About one in every 400 to 600 children and adolescents has this kind of diabetes, which is not caused by obesity or by eating excessive sugar, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This can make Halloween and the holiday season a trying time for families of diabetics, said Becky Jackson, executive director for the Desert Southwest chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

"Kids can still dress up and go out and go door-to-door, so they are part of that fun process as a kid. But when the kids go home, the parents need to step in," Jackson said. "They can still eat candy -- it just depends on the level of their need."

Maddison was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in December 2006. She had a genetic predisposition for the disease. Her grandfather was diagnosed in the 1980s and her mother, Kelly, was diagnosed only nine months before Maddison. Kelly said Maddison took it in stride, though.

"She did really well. She never complained and never cried," Kelly said.

But Kelly said her oldest daughter, Hannah, 12, took it hard.

"It's tough to have to watch what my mom and Maddison have to go through," Hannah said.

Kelly got involved with the support group West Valley Parents of Type One Kids. She said the group, formed by moms of type 1 diabetics, consisted of seven families when she joined. Now there are 25. A lot of friendships have grown out of the group and, the Lyonses have become a mentor family to return the favor.

"It's been great support for the kids as well as the parents," Kelly said.

**

Trick or treating with diabetes

Tips for parents

* Trade the night's booty for a toy that your child really wants.

* Plan alternative activities and treats, such as a party that focuses on fun, not food.

* Inform teachers and school nurses about your child's illness. The holiday can be a teaching opportunity about health, science and diet.

* Take inventory of Halloween candy. Space out your distribution by having your child pick out only a few things and have them eat one a day.

Source: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

2008 Walk to Cure Diabetes