My son Cole (not a type I child) participates in a TrialNetNatural History study for the development of type I diabetes. It tests for “diabetes-related autoantibodies”. Cole’s result was again negative, meaning that, “no diabetes related autoantibodies are present at this time” in Cole. This doesn’t ensure anything in the future but it is wonderful news today to say the least. Cole will be re-tested yearly until he is 18 yrs old.
I would urge any siblings of a type I child to participate in TrialNet’s study. The information that they gather helps scientists understand so much about type I and can help a child that is at high risk to develop type I to stave of the disease.
That said, I received Cole’s letter today and opened it in the driveway. I was choking back the tears of joy and guilt that I experience every time Cole gets this news. I’m of course thrilled that Cole is not at an elevated risk of developing type I but at the same time I feel terrible for being happy while Arden suffers. Anyway, back to it... I was choking back the tears when my neighbor came out of his house and began asking me a question, I was barely able to escape that conversation with my dignity when Arden’s nurse called to go over her lunch time insulin. She too must have thought I was insane. So to my neighbor and to Arden’s school nurse, I’m sorry if I cut our conversations short, I was trying not to cry.
And to a future Cole that I’ll one day let read this, I know we tell you that this test is to help Arden and other kids with type I but it’s also for you. I’m sorry that I can never tell you your good news, I just don’t want you to worry. This is one of the few times that I keep something from you.
That’s about as much transparency as I’ve got in me today...
To the rest of you, be transparent, test in public, your openness will grow understanding and I believe, quicken the path to a cure.
