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Family copes with toddler's diabetes
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Published: April 5, 2009
Like most toddlers, Austin Ladd is full of energy and exuberance. He has a patch of blonde hair and a toothless smile that will melt your heart.
Judging from his outward appearance, it's hard to tell Austin has Type 1 diabetes, a genetic condition he was diagnosed with Feb. 13.
"We didn't really expect it," Austin's mother, Megan, said. "We were in denial."
Megan and her husband, Travis, found out about his condition after his pediatrician suggested they take Austin to Brenner Children's Hospital.
Physicians there suggested they go to the Winston-Salem hospital because Austin's sugar level was 478, considered extremely high.
Given the family's history of diabetes, Megan suspected something was wrong because of Austin's weight loss and frequent bathroom use. Even so, she was in disbelief over the diagnosis.
Life for the Ladds has changed since the diagnosis.
Austin receives four insulin shots and 10 finger pricks daily. His parents keep a constant eye on his carbohydrate intake.
Before the diagnosis, Austin spent his days with a babysitter. That has changed because of the special care that must be taken with his health.
Travis, who was laid off from Prestige Pipeline in Denver on the same day Austin's diagnosis was revealed, stays home to care for his son.
One day last week, after feeding Austin his lunch of apple sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet carrots and chicken, Travis gave Austin his insulin.
The shot lasted a few seconds, and Austin seemed unphased.
"We couldn't ask for a better patient," Megan said.
Soon after learning about Austin's condition, family members rallied together to educate themselves on juvenile diabetes.
In their research, they found the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is having a "Walk to Cure Diabetes" on April 25 for Rowan, Iredell and Cabarrus counties.
The family has joined this effort and those who are walking are calling themselves "Austin's Gang." They have raised $1,200 and set a goal of $2,500, said Carla Waller, Austin's great aunt.
Waller and her sister, Lisa Yountz, are organizing fundraisers to help raise money for the walk.
On Saturday, the family is holding a car wash, bake sale and yard sale starting at 8 a.m. at Oakdale Baptist Church on Mocksville Highway.
On April 18, family members are participating in a Krispy Kreme fundraiser.
Proceeds from both events will go to the research foundation.
"It's something we can do," Waller said. "We felt so helpless when this sweet baby was diagnosed."
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