On February 27, 2021, my daughter Ainsley was diagnosed with 1 Diabetes at only 7 months old. After 24 hours in the ICU at our local hospital in Vernon, where our pediatrician and nurses worked tirelessly to stabilize a VERY sick baby, Ainsley and I (Mom, Meghan) were air-medevacked to British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. Ainsley's initial blood glucose was 44mmol/l (normal for a child? 4-7mmol/L).

They needed to bring her sugars down very carefully and slowly; too fast, and she could be even more sick. Too slow, and conditions already present (e.g. Kussmaul breathing- rapid shallow breaths) would worsen.

Within an hour of the ER trauma team at VJH inserting an IV and starting the most miniscule insulin drip, Ainsley's color started to improve. My baby was coming back- right before my eyes.

Ainsley spent 4 nights and 5 days at BC Children’s Hospital while the incredible Diabetes Team there continued to stabilize her, meanwhile I was at her bedside getting "Schooled" in Diabetes by the nurses and dieticians.

We left the hospital doing "old school" injections, and by day 10, were back at BCCH to start Ainsley's Insulin Pump! This technology is a game changer! She still uses the insulin pump, and now wears a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) on her arm. The Dexcom has close to eliminated the need to do finger pokes before meals, another game changer!

Ainsley is truly thriving, at three. She pitches a bit of a fit when I have to change her infusion set but calms within seconds afterwards.

Nothing is going to stop this girl! She absolutely rocked her first two levels of swimming lessons *without Mom in the pool* this summer, is a climbing master, and copies everything her 7-year-old big brother does. Ainsley will move mountains! If you're ever feeling like you can't push through a task or feel down in the dumps, think of our beautiful, fiery Ainsley, who doesn't let Type 1 Diabetes stop her.

Please help us find a cure for diabetes.

"We decided to participate in Lace Up to End Diabetes because diabetes plays a large role in our lives. We know very special people who work hard to manage their type 1 diabetes while enjoying an active lifestyle. It is important to help bring more general awareness of diabetes to others and to highlight the importance of health and wellness that can be achieved by just doing something active each day."

Willem and Michele, owners of Active Touch Physiotherapy

Matt was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes the day after his 1st Birthday, and his younger brother Cameron was diagnosed 10 days before his 2nd Birthday. After Matt’s diagnosis, his parents and grandparents organized a walkathon to help raise money for diabetes research and awareness of the condition.

In 1998, when Matt was 2 years old they raised $2,000 in the first annual Matthew & Cameron Flynn & Friends Walk for Diabetes Research. Little did they know that this event would continue to grow 26 years later! To date, these efforts have raised over $194,837.00 in support of Diabetes Canada!

We invite you to mark your calendars for Saturday October 12, 2024 - 1:00 pm to join our “27th Annual Matthew & Cameron Flynn & Friends Walk for Diabetes Research” taking place in Buchans, NL

Our Family could not have made this possible without the incredibly supportive communities around us.

Thank you,
The Flynn & Hiscock Families

"Ending diabetes is a cause close to my heart, pushing me to dedicate my time and energy to supporting Diabetes Canada. Witnessing the impact of diabetes on the lives of loved ones has fueled a personal commitment to creating a world where this chronic condition no longer affects those WE CARE for. I believe in the power of research and education to pave the way for innovative treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Every step we take together moves us forward in empowering individuals, fostering awareness, and supporting the invaluable work done by Diabetes Canada. Collectively, WE CAN make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by diabetes because IT MATTERS."

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