What an amazing night! Last night, my little guy Rocco was able to share his story to raise some money for the Artificial Pancreas Project with JDRF. It was a black tie affair that invited people to come and participate in a live and silent auction. I have been to a silent auction before but not a live one. It was so thrilling to see those paddles fly up knowing that each generous donation would be able to directly affect Rocco by (hopefully) middle school. Throughout the night, I was humbly touched by everyone's random generosity toward the cause. In the middle of the auction, as the auctioneer was yelling out numbers and paddle were flying, I made a promise to myself. I decided to longer sit on the sidelines, as I have done in the past, and wait for someone else to help Rocco. A cure is getting close but a better way of life for Rocco is even closer. It is my turn to help. I have to forget about being shy and afraid to ask people to give. I have to ask because people are kind-hearted and they want to help. Our family alone raised $1210!!!! Just by asking a couple of times on Facebook. It was $210 over a goal I really thought we would NEVER reach. It was humbled by their love for Rocco and his daily struggle. Their special gifts overwhelmed my heart but taught me that if I find my courage and just politely ask, I can make life easier for him. If he could get an artificial pancreas by middle school, he won't get teased by his friends that his "mommy" has to follow him around. This hasn't happened to us yet but I have seen it happen to other children who's mother's post their terribly sad stories on Facebook. I know that eventually kids can take a mean turn. An artificial pancreas will give Rocco freedom to handle his diabetes, on his own.
The way it works is a simple concept partner with mind-blowing technology. It will automatically check his blood sugar every three minutes and show up on his insulin pump. If the number goes higher than a good range his pump will automatically give him insulin. If his blood sugar goes low it will beep and tell him to eat before it gets dangerous. People in the US are already wearing these and testing them. Eventually, it will be tested and safe for kids. It is so close and that is why I promised myself to start helping. I have a voice. I need to use it. I will use it.
My next step is the Children's Congress where Rocco and I will go and urge lawmakers to continue funding the research needed for the Artificial Pancreas Project and the cure. It is in danger of not being passed. Then, I will do the walk this year and that will take us into the Fall. After that, maybe I can do something at the boy's school. Who knows... I do know that it just has to be done. I am blessed to have Rocco WANT to participate in all of it. He said the Promise Ball last night was fun and he liked being up near the stage. He said his favorite part was talking to the people. When he was a baby, before any of this diabetes stuff came to us, I told Michael that I saw him, in his future, at a podium. My friend recently said he sounded like a future Senator. He says he wants to rescue sea turtles. I'm not sure what he will become but something tells me this won't be his last time in a tux by a stage! It exciting to watch it all unfold!
Anyway, here are some pictures from the fun night!
Getting fitted!
Zeke loved it too!
I can't wait to put this one next to their prom photos!
Little adults!
Please, don't get muddy before we leave...
Rocco's first hors d' oeuvres! He was very intrigued by a lamb chop.
Keeping them busy while the adults mingled. Don't judge! It was either this or they would start wrestling! Haha!
These were the other little angels in the video. They both have type one. They are sisters. Their mom and I have become such great friends during this process. We are blessed to know them.
This is the wonderful superwoman that put it all together! What a talented lady!
The grandmas! They looked so beautiful!!!
Rocco was excited to see a mini bottle of ketchup all to himself.
Our fancy meal of steak and salmon! Yummy!
Now this picture here made it all worth it. I have been so worried that all this attention for Rocco would send Zeke into a tail spin. But, he was so nice to Rocco the whole night. He was sweet and at one point scruffied Rocco on the head and said "I'm here for ya bro!" which translates into "I'm proud of you" in brother language. I took Zeke out all day today to make it his special day.
All done with dinner! Off to work!
This was the auctioneer. He was really awesome. He sent an electric vibe through the whole audience that was really the reason that they raised so much money! The kids were asked to pass out roses to the highest bidders! Rocco said he passed them the rose then told them "Thanks for coming!" and the he said they high-fived and fist-bumped him. He was so small I could only see his little blonde head make it through the crowd. It was cute.
My mother-in-law even got in on the auction action!
And then my mom couldn't help herself! We all were so electrified! It was fun!
Family photo.
Superwoman let us take home a momento!
Thanks to Jeff, Donna, Kristin, Skyler, Beeba, Aunt Mandy, Pete, Maddie, Cole, Kim, Stephanie, Cathy, Sarah, Evan, Candace, Sherri, Cheryl, Uncle Dave, Lynnette, Miss Karla, Mala, Ruth, Kelli and Coach Dave for helping me exceed my goal!!!
You all rock!
The best part of the night is that they raised
$770,000!!!!!
So impressive! What a night! What fun to help!
5 comments:
You are the true superwoman in this story. Thanks for raising money to help our children, for being such a positive influence and being so generous of your time, your life and your caring towards JDRF! We are proud to know you and can't wait to hear of your amazing trip to talk to Congress.
Your friends at Naturallysweetsisters
What an amazing night! I love all your pictures, your boys are so handsome in their tuxes. what a beautiful family! so happy that it was such a successful night as well, that's what it's all about, educating & getting people to donate. We've been caught up in the live auction before & put up our paddle!!LOL thank you for sharing. so looking forward to meeting you in D.C. Pat
Thank you so much for sharing the gala story with us. Love all the pictures of your beautiful family. Those boys are so handsome. what a successful night - getting us one step closer to the cure. so looking forward to meeting you in D.C. Pat
What a great story! Thanks for helping keep the artificial pancreas dream alive!
Wow! I love this post and the pictures. Great job to everyone involved!
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