7.5 Year TEDDY Visit

We recently completed my son’s 7 ½ year visit. My son is happy to go to TEDDY each time because he likes playing on the Kindle Fire, getting a prize, and receiving the TEDDY money. I also think he likes coming to my work, seeing my office, and meeting with Kim. When I asked him to draw something about TEDDY he remembered the new slime with bugs from his most recent visit. He asked to have his visit early because he was saving up for his first large purchase and some of the TEDDY money helped him reach the full amount. He saved money from two TEDDY visits, worked extra chores, and helped on several house projects to earn enough money for a new Star Wars Lego. He and I both have a special connection with TEDDY so I was happy the TEDDY money helped him buy the Lego set he later built with my brother.

 

Though the prizes are fun and the money is awesome, my son at 7 still does not quite understand why he participates in TEDDY. I have tried explaining diabetes to him and his risk, using tools like the Junior Scientist book, but I believe this is a difficult concept to understand for a child of his age who does not know anyone with type 1 diabetes. I hope to continue the conversation using the books and videos TEDDY has developed so when he’s older he can understand why he is in TEDDY and how he and other children are helping scientists discover the causes of type 1 diabetes. 

We are lucky that his blood draws have gone very well. A year and a half ago my son had a reaction to the numbing cream so now they only uses the cooling spray that numbs the skin for a few seconds. My husband and I wish it was this easy when he has to get shots!

Bye Laraine!

Hello! My name is Laraine and I have been working as a TEDDY clinician since the fall of 2010. In June I will be leaving the study to pursue a master’s degree in education. The program will prepare me to teach Special Education in Denver Public Schools. My last five years of interacting with TEDDY participants and families has led me to become a teacher. Working with the children and families has shown me that I truly have an aptitude for connecting with children and have developed a desire to teach children in a classroom setting. In this blog I want to say goodbye by giving a big shout out to our TEDDY staff and of course to our families.

The TEDDY staff has been a huge part of my life the last five years. I have grown both as an individual and as a professional because of the support of our team. I value their friendships and appreciate their support of my decision to become a teacher. I will miss them! I will miss the energy the TEDDY kids bring to the clinic, the funny things the kids say, and watching them grow up. I have learned a lot about dedication by watching the TEDDY families throughout the years. I admire families’ commitment to TEDDY and finding the causes of type 1 diabetes. My experiences have helped me to pursue new dreams thanks to the support and encouragement I’ve received here at TEDDY. Now, onward to the next step in my journey. I will be sure to bring my professionalism, dedication, and determination to help others, to a new place of work where I can explore special needs and help children reach their full potential. Thank you TEDDY for all you’ve done and for all you’ve been for me and for the research community. Farewell!