Jesse Alswager

Last night I became aware of a little boy named Jesse who passed away recently from complications of his type I diabetes.  I learned today about Jesse and that he and his family were ardent supports of type I research and political issues and that he passed away a few days before the tenth anniversary of his diagnosis.  I think we should all take a moment to reflect on this little boy, his struggle and the need to find a cure as soon as possible.  Never forget that even a diligent, well maintained diabetic is at constant, serious risk. What happened to Jesse is but one of the thousands of disastrous outcomes that people burdened with type I guard against every second of the day. 

Most days I’m all about being positive and hoping that the steps we take are the right ones, the ones that will let Arden live far into old age.  But today, in honor of Jesse, in honor of his struggle and his life that was taken much too soon, I am going to reflect on what can go wrong and use what comes from that reflection to help me stay focused on Arden’s care. I invite you to do the same. Jesse’s fate can and should be a lesson to all of us that cut corners with our health, don’t exercise as much as we should or eat right.

The effort that it took for this little boy to live is enormous, trust me I know. We could all pay tribute to him and every child like him by taking full advantage of our great luck, the luck that didn’t saddle us with his burden.  We can all put at least the effort forth to maintain our health that a child with type I does, if not for us then out of respect to them. 

Everyone here at Arden’s Day hopes that Jesse’s family finds peace in the wake of their tragedy.

The following is a quote from the blog Jesse and his parents kept about their lives with type I.

“Tonight as I write I am sad. A month ago tonight, my life was "right". Great job, great people, loving family. I had just had dinner with Jesse and had just snuggled in to watch Kindergarten Cop. We sent Joey off to bed and finished the movie. I shewed him off to bed because he had school in the morning.

The next day he was gone.”

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The following are archived comments from this post. You can post new comments below.

Rosanne

My thoughts and prayers are with Jesse's family as they mourn the loss of their dear son; I can not imagine the pain they feel. And as always; I continue to pray for Arden; and all of you that a cure is found and better treatment is available.

Thanks for making me more aware,

Saturday, March 6, 2010 - 04:11 PM

Anonymous

Now that I've stopped crying long enough to type. WOW. My daughter with Type 1 turned 14 in January, and I'm going to show her the video and the obituary as explanations of why I pester her about her BG so much.

Monday, March 8, 2010 - 11:50 AM

Phil

Jesse's parents and family and friends.  This story touches my very soul.  I am crying as I type this.  I was diagnosed at age 12 and am now 49.  What is so sad is the premature loss of Jesse!  My thoughts and prayers and with you.

I often feel like people treat diabetes like a "light" problem.  A small headache that will soon go away.  Those who live with it know it is anything but a small problem.   It is a daily struggle to survive and live a healthy life. 
Llet me know if I can help in any way - eager5@msn.com -

Sincerely,

Phil

Monday, March 8, 2010 - 03:32 PM

Barbara

My heart goes out to Jesse's family -- it is so very sad.  Scott, thank you for honoring this young boy on Arden's web-site.  Also, thank you for your dedication and knowledgeable reporting about type 1 diabetes.  Before my sweet six-year old granddaughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year, I had no idea what a horrible disease it is and how it affects not only the one diagnosed but also their loved onces.  Parents, grandparents, other relatives, and friends' hearts are broken when this diagnosis is made and a day does not go by when we are not worried.  My granddaughter, like other young type 1 diabetics, is too young to understand the seriousness of this disease.  And, I pray that a cure is found before this realization sets in.  I want her to always be the same happy little girl that she is now.  JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is an organization that is working diligently to find a cure for diabetes.  I pray that someday soon a cure will be found so no other family has to go through what this wonderful young boy's family is going through now.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 08:18 PM

Michelle Page-Alswager

Thank you for honoring my Jesse.  Everything you are reading about him is true.  He was my inspiration to keep up the fight in life, and in death.  I will not allow his siblings to ever hear the news that they have type 1 diabetes.  No one should be feeling what my family is feeling today.

Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 11:02 AM