Spare a Rose Save a Child
If you have diabetes you have probably noticed that the ‘Spare a Rose and Save a Child’ campaign is currently underway. If you do not have diabetes it may seem a bit confusing; please read on for a little explanation.
The campaign serves to generate contributions for the purpose of providing insulin, test strips and other supplies to children who have diabetes in the developing world. As we know, the person with type I diabetes requires the use of insulin in order to live. Lack of insulin and the lack of test strips and meters is a leading cause of death in this population. The ‘Spare a Rose Save a Child’ campaign is a simple concept. We are simply asked to buy one less rose this Valentine’s Day and in place of that rose donate five dollars to this campaign. A $5.00 donation will supply insulin and supplies for a child for one month. Last year the campaign raised over $50,000 in contributions. This year our goal is to raise $55,000 in contributions. If we raise this amount we will help about 1,000 children for one year. This campaign is a project of the International Diabetes Fund (IDF) which is a nonprofit group connected to the United Nations.
The Need
The IDF estimated in 2013 that there were over 497,000 children under the age of 15 with type I diabetes in the countries being served with a similar number who are age 15 to 25. It is striking that a large percentage of these children do not have access to insulin or adequate supplies to treat their diabetes. Even in countries that supply insulin, it is often a lack of supplies such as meters and test strips that lead to mortality. We also know the type II diabetes among all populations in the developing world are on a rapid rise and while insulin may not be used in the treatment of type II diabetes, a lack of meters and test strips can often lead to serious consequences.
Those of us who use insulin know it is an inherently dangerous drug. Giving too much insulin can put the user at risk of low blood sugars. While using too little insulin may pose long-term consequences including blindness, kidney disease, amputation and of course death. The best way available to control blood sugar is the use of meters and test strips. Using insulin without corresponding meters and test strips is a recipe for certain disaster. Likewise, the use of type 2 medications without the corresponding use of meters and test strips is at best an uncertain crapshoot that can lead to the same consequences as using insulin.
That is why this campaign is so important, every single day children from developing countries face an uncertain future if their blood sugar is not adequately controlled. Often life expectancy is one year or less from the date of diagnosis of type I diabetes and while we in this country often think of our supplies as being readily available; they often are not in third world countries.
Donate
A donation to ‘Spare a Rose Save a Child’ is easy and convenient. Donations can be made at this giving page. Each five dollar donation will be used directly to supply these desperately needed materials. You may make a onetime or a continuing donation.
‘Spare a Rose Save a Child’ is a way to make a lasting impact in the world. Those of us who live with or are touched by type 1 diabetes know the importance of insulin and blood glucose testing supplies. Those with type 2 diabetes know how important testing supplies are for our lives. I am asking you to join my spouse, Sheryl, and me as we do our part to help by ‘Sparing a Rose to Save a Child’.
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