On August 6, 2019, in the flash of a moment, I became the mom of a child with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).
We caught Ashton’s Diabetes early when his Grandma, who also lives with Diabetes, recognized his symptoms and tested his blood sugar. When the glucometer registered as ‘Extreme Blood Glucose above 33.3 mmol/L’, we rushed to SickKids Children’s Hospital in Toronto.
Ever since, our journey has been filled with highs and lows, good days and hard days, and through it all Ashton has stayed positive, strong, and brave - a true Type 1 Warrior.
My story as a parent of a child with T1D has been filled with fear, anxiety, resilience, and courage, and has tested me in ways I never thought possible.
Inspired by a TID mom’s ‘Love is greater than the highs and lows’ wrist tattoo, I started writing inspirational messages on the sleeves of my shirts to make the hard days a little easier, and to help with the anxiety I was feeling around Ashton’s diagnosis and T1D management.
The impact these messages had on my mindset was incredible! My confidence increased while my anxiety significantly decreased. I started to wonder... “If these messages made such a difference in my life, could they help others too?”
I truly believe they can! And after bringing my vision to life, I have been overwhelmed by the positive response.
Sweet LemonAID has evolved from a simple idea into a purpose-driven mission to empower women to thrive in the face of adversity. This is my is my love letter to the world focused on driving awareness, inspiring hope, building community, and giving back to JDRF, the largest funder and advocate for T1D research in Canada.
Here’s why JDRF means so much to our mission…
We joined our first JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in 2022. We were incredibly inspired by JDRF’s commitment to improving lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. We were overcome with emotion being surrounded by other T1D families, ambassadors, and dedicated volunteers and staff. Our hearts were filled with hope for a bright future for Ashton, and everyone living with T1D.
This is why we are partnering with JDRF and donating $2 from the sale of every Sweet LemonAID shirt to help propel JDRF’s mission forward.
Everyone touched by Diabetes holds a special place in our hearts. From those living with Diabetes, to parents and caregivers, researchers, doctors, charities, advocacy groups, and anyone standing on the sidelines cheering us on - you are all superheroes.
A cure for T1D would mean everything to so many. It would mean no more finger pricks, no more needles, no fear of complications, no life-threatening urgent low blood sugars, and no more sleepless nights. It would mean Ashton could be present in every moment of every day, instead of worrying about what the next moment may bring. It would mean no one would have to live with T1D.
Today, and every day, we dream of a cure and we never give up!
Allison 💙
