A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to help 10-year-old Layla, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years ago.
When Layla was first diagnosed, she and her family spent a week in the hospital while she recovered from diabetic ketoacidosis – a life-threatening complication that sometimes occurs in people with undiagnosed diabetes.
During the hospital stay, the family received a “crash course on dealing with diabetes” and gradually learned more.
Layla loves to dance, play with her friends, and camp. Her family works hard to ensure that diabetes doesn’t get in the way of the things they love.
However, type 1 diabetes requires 24/7 blood sugar monitoring from Layla. This even includes monitoring during the night, as the blood sugar of children can rise or fall at any time as they grow.
So Layla uses a glucose monitor. However, these devices are not the most reliable to use because you need to be very aware of what your body is experiencing in the ups and downs, even at night.
The family was recently enrolled in the BC Service Dog Program. However, the means to fully train and certify the dog cannot be done by the family on their own.
Having a service dog will make Layla aware of ups and downs, increase her safety and also relieve some of the family’s worries.
A new service dog gives Layla the confidence to venture a little more on her own and become more independent – for example in the park or when staying with friends.
The family of five are active members of the community, giving back, volunteering, and helping Kelowna whenever they can.
Help Layla and her family meet their $ 25,000 goal so they can welcome a new service dog to the family!
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