By Noah Whittaker
GRAYLING – Most Americans have heard of diabetes and know someone who has been affected by the disease. However outside of those directly affected by the disease few understand the scope of diabetes. Fewer still understand type 1 diabetes. Young Lucas Kermode is aiming to change that.
Lucas is a Kindergartener in Mrs. Nester’ class at Grayling Elementary. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes one week before Christmas when he was 4 years old. What this meant for Lucas was that he would have to have his finger pricked a minimum of 5 times a day and receive at least 4 insulin injections each day. He needs these because his body does not produce enough insulin. Although that is a lot of needle pricks, it is something that Lucas has faced head-on with bravery and learning.
Since Lucas’ diagnosis his parents, Bethany and Rob, have searched out things for Lucas to look forward to. One such activity was Lucas attending Camp Midicha, a week-long day camp for children with diabetes. At this camp he was able to have all the camp experiences one would expect while in a safe environment where he could still manage his glucose levels.
Around the same time that Lucas attended the day camp, he and his family decided that they wanted to give back. They decided to do this by fundraising for JDRF (formally Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) via the JDRF One Walk held in Bay City, Michigan. At the walk, Lucas was named captain and lead the 14 members of Team Lucas to raise $2,687.50. JDRF uses these funds to make the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes easier and for conducting research for a cure.
Partially because of his diagnosis Lucas enjoys reading and learning about the human body. As school started this year, Lucas did not leave it up to his teacher to make his classmates aware of the reasons he has to go and get his finger pricked and his blood tested. Instead he prepared and delivered a presentation to his kindergarten class he titled, ‘What is Diabetes.’
As American Diabetes Month passes, Lucas’ presentation seems fitting. Lucas’ mother Bethany agrees. She said, ‘If I had been more aware of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes I may not have been so shocked at his diagnosis. The most common signs are frequent urination, constant thirst and sudden weight loss.’ Having some knowledge of this life-changing disease is important for everyone.
