... But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.--Pauline R. Kezer
Dear Friends and Family-
On July 28, 2009 our lives and the life of our daughter, Kaci, changed forever. Kaci was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes and is now insulin dependent for the rest of her life (or-- until a CURE is found) In the last year alone- Kaci has had more than 1,810 finger pricks and over 2, 172 shots- and her fight is not over yet.
As you know, we are always working hard to try and help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Kaci has used this last year to learn all about Juvenile Diabetes and is working hard to help herself and others who face it's challenges.
Back in October, Kaci participated in the "Say Boo To Diabetes" walk, where her team raised $1,575.00 ( thanks to your help)
When we attended the Say Boo to Diabetes Awards ceremony in December- we learned that it is never to early to start raising money for the annual October walk. So- Kaci has a special JDRF piggy bank in her room that we are constantly dropping our spare change in to. Her Daddy has promised to match whatever amount she collects in that piggy bank by walk time. (I think he is getting nervous at how much she has...haha)
In November, she was asked to participate as a model for the Hope Ball. Her picture was chosen to be featured in the 11th Annual HOPE BALL invitation- which is a special event which raises money in hopes of finding a cure.This year's Hope Ball featured spectacular silent and live auctions, Buckets of Hope, fabulous entertainment by Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes, great food, and much more - all to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.
In January, we sent her picture in to the Wall Of Change ....where she used coins to write out the amount of time that she has lived with Diabetes. At that time, it was 1/2 year! The coins we used to spell it out will be donated to JDRF.
April was a BIG month! In the month of April, her Uncle Chad gave her a match challenge....in his words he wrote,
"Kaci~ I am so proud of you for all you do to help find a cure for Diabetes. I know that it will help both of us!! So here is what I want to offer you!! For every Dollar you raise during the month of April, I will match it, and we can donate to JDRF! BUT...you cannot get more than a $1 from every person. That means Mom can donate $1, Dad can donate $1, etc....and I will match every dollar you collect. So keep a list of every person that gives you a $1, and we will add them up at the end of April!! Does this sound like a deal?? Let me know!! I love you VERY, VERY much!!! -Uncle Chad “
We had lots of wonderful donations from family and friends - and even total strangers who were forwarded our original email or heard about it by word of mouth! Kaci raised over $165, a dollar at a time~ With Uncle Chad's match that is $330!
In April- also had all of the proceeds from the sale of my Prissie Piggies go to JDRF. These are cute little custom made flips flops with bows that I started selling a few months ago. The sale of Prissie Piggies raised $160 that will be donated at the time of the walk in October.
In May, Kaci was featured in the Austin American Statesman in a pull out advertisement for the Hope Ball! I later had the invitation framed - and it hangs in our front hallway.
She was also featured in the JDRF Austin Chapter newsletter in appreciation for all of the hard work she had done in preparing and stuffing the KIDS SCHOOL WALK FOLDERS! These folders are used in fundraising events at different schools in the Austin area where students are encouraged to raise money to help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Kaci stuffed over 1,100 folders!!
In May- Kaci was awarded the KOHLS Kids Who Care Award. Aunt Amber took the time to nominate her online- She was chosen as the store winner and received a $50 gift card for all of her hard work in our community. She is now entered in the Regional competition where she would win a $1,000 scholarship! We are so proud of her!!
Most recently in July, Kaci and Bailey (along with their friend, Grayson) hosted a lemonade stand to raise funds! They raised $16 ! We will also be selling team wrist bands to collect money for our team. (Let us know if you would like us to save one or two for you!) A few bake sales are planned for the summer as well!
Please take the time to say a prayer for Kaci that God may keep her strong, brave and positive! Thank you for your love and support through the last year. Our family and friends mean so much to us. If you would like to make a donation to this year’s Say Boo To Diabetes Walk in October- please make your check payable to JDRF- and mail it to our home address- and we will make sure that it is applied to our walk group -The Honey, Rufus and Kaci Team.
The Borchgardt Family-
Clint, Andrea, Kaci and Bailey
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