Page 5 - JDRF Detroit Program Book 2022

EVENT CHAIRS

The Register Family Story

There are some memories that stick more than others, some that create emotion which last for a lifetime.
September 1, 2019 is a day that changed our lives forever and invoked a moment where we felt the world pause.
After a family summer vacation our daughter Blake, fell extremely ill and was hospitalized. On this day, Blake was
diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This diagnosis left us with the realization that Blake would be forced to
grow up much faster than we anticipated, and the seriousness of T1D would always be top of mind. Her primary
health care would go from annual doctor visits and occasional bumps and bruises at urgent care to a series of
orchestrated visits amongst multiple healthcare providers to ensure her holistic treatment plan was intact. During
this time, we had many members of our village inclusive of family, friends and new unexpected angels that showed
us an incredible of amount of grace and support to navigate this chapter.

Before her diagnosis, T1D was very foreign to us. We quickly learned that T1D, an autoimmune disease, had
nothing to do with her diet, activity, or lifestyle. Instead, her pancreas abruptly stopped producing insulin. We
were determined to not allow T1D to become her excuse, but her testimony and one day use it as a platform
to help others. In addition, we pour into her gifts, Blake is an amazing artist, actress and an athlete that loves to
travel and experience new things. Her vibrant and creative personality transforms any blank canvas to a colorful
masterpiece. She continues to show incredible strength and courage daily as she navigates this new “normal”
and T1D has not deterred her dreams!

We are so grateful to JDRF for providing a platform for Blake to use her voice and wonderful spirit to give back to
the T1D community, whether it’s writing words of encouragement for newly diagnosed families or volunteering in
events, most notably hosting the JDRF Road Trip Virtual Gala! Without the aggressive fundraising led by JDRF,
Blake wouldn’t be wearing the cutting-edge technology that not only helps her better manage her T1D,
but ultimately save her life.

Derrick & Rajoielle Register

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