Glow run raises funds for student

Kelbi Byrd is a little closer to being able to receive the help she needs, and it is thanks in large part to the support of the community and a successful Glow Run.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States today. This is equal to nearly 10% of the population. The local community has rallied around one local student who is affected by this disease.

Kelbi Byrd, a cheerleader at Daingerfield Junior High, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on November 29, 2009. According to the ADA, “In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar called glucose, which it uses for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body.” Many times, those with this type can tell when their blood sugar is high, and then take a dose of insulin to combat it. In the six years since her diagnosis, Kelbi has lost the ability to feel when her blood sugar is high. Her A1C level has been almost double what the ADA suggests for diabetics for almost a year.

When Kelbi was diagnosed, there was no history of diabetes in her family, and it was only through a fortunate set of circumstances that her mother, Kristi, even thought to ask the doctor to test Kelbi the disease. “I had been certified as an unlicensed Diabetic Care assistant in January of 2009, at the request of Martha Baker,” Mrs. Byrd says. Mrs. Baker was the school nurse at the time, and stated that each campus needed trained UDCAs, according to law. Kelbi has not experienced any of the major negative effects of diabetes, yet. According to her mother, those are not seen until later in life. Continued high blood sugar can lead to vision loss, kidney failure, loss of limbs, and more.

Service dogs have become commonplace, and dogs can be trained to assist their owners in a variety of healthrelated issues. There are service dogs for the blind, for those with autism, and seizure disorders. Dogs can even be trained to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Through the help of Kaci Green, who is diabetic herself, the Byrds were given the contact information for Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers. Mr. Dan Warren, of SDWR, “SDRW is a fully incorporated 501©3 nonprofit organization that serves to assist individuals and families who are seeking to bring a service dog into their lives to help manage effects of an invisible disability such as diabetes, autism, or seizures.” SDWR specializes in diabetic alert dogs, autism service dogs, seizure response dogs, and PTSD alert dogs. “The Byrds are volunteer ambassadors’ helping to raise awareness, education, and advocacy,” adds Mr. Warren.

Diabetic alert dogs, once trained, will assist diabetics, like Kelbi, when their blood sugar moves out of the acceptable range, either high or low. Dogs can be trained to retrieve glucometers, testing materials, and even juice, dependent on the need at the time.

Many fundraising efforts have come to fruition since the news of Kelbi’s need first broke. From softball tournaments and t-shirt sales, to bake sales and personal donations, “Kelbi’s Paws for a Sweet Cause,” as the efforts have been named, has raised over $20,000 for the diabetic alert dog Kelbi needs. The most recent, a Glow Run 5K organized by Markie Foster, brought in $3,670. Over 120 runners participated, including many of Kelbi’s Cross Country and Cheer team mates. People from all over the area descended on Daingerfield State Park on Sept. 24 to help a local child with a major need. More than just the runners, there were many who came just to support Kelbi and her family. Businesses, including Top-Flight Custom Designs, and the Killyon School of Isshin Ryu, offered paid sponsorship of the event. Top finishers in the 13-and-over category were Chuck Lafferty and Layla Johnston.

The total cost for the Byrds to actually be able to get an alert dog is $25,000, which is all coming from donations and various fundraising efforts. To date, theefforts have raised $20,636 for “Kelbi’s Paws for a Sweet Cause,” leaving a mere $4,364 to reach the needed funds. For any golfers interested in helping Kelbi’s cause, the annual Daingerfield Days Benefit Golf Tournament will benefit the efforts to reache the needed funds for the Byrds’ to be able to acquire an alert dog. Anyone wishing to donate to “Kelbi’s Paws for a Sweet Cause” may go to www.sdwr.donordrive.com and place Kelbi Byrd’s name in the fundraising search box. They can also contact Mrs. Byrd at 903-946-7091. For those interested in learning more about SDWR, visit their website at www.sdwr.org.