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Diabetes awareness: Bloom where you are planted
November 5, 2011
Alyse Bredemeier
By Mary Pechar
features@lstribune.net
Have you stumbled across those special little blooms that seem to have been lost, sprouting up from a crack in the sidewalk or out from under a rock? As you focus on those random blossoms, the crack and the rock all fade into the background and all you see is the beauty and the gift. The adage “Bloom Where You Are Planted” is not a new one, but Alyse Bredemeier has given it new meaning.
When Alyse was 4 years old, her life changed forever. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, often called juvenile diabetes because its onset occurs predominantly in children and young adults,
with type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone normally produced by the pancreas, which converts sugar, starch and other foods into energy. While unmanaged diabetes can result in a plethora of health issues affecting almost every facet of your body, with balance management, you can expect to live a long, healthy, productive life. But not that many years ago it was a different story and such a diagnosis brought a pall and fear to ones life.
The youngest in a family of four children, Alyse was blessed with parents who did not allow the diagnosis to make her any different than her siblings. Yes, there was the need to manage her diabetes, but they were determined Alyse would not be limited by her disease. Nor was she ever allowed to use it as an excuse.
“When you are 4, managing the delicate balancing act of diabetes is beyond you, so Alyse and her mother, Viki Bott, became cloned, a closeness you see continuing today,” explained Alyse’s dad, Mark Bredemeier.
A graduate of Lee’s Summit High School, Alyse tried a variety of sports and soon realized she wasn’t terribly athletic. Attending a diabetes summer camp was her first experience with a peer group who faced the same challenges in their day to day life. She soon became a counselor and shared the real life answers to young girls questions that their medical team doesn’t always have to share.
Not certain what she wanted to do after graduation, a friend suggested she look at nursing. Today, a nurse at Children’s Hospital, Alyse is assigned to the floor that takes newly diagnosed diabetes patients. After the shock of the diagnosis and fears of the life changing impacts, Alyse is there with the facts, support and encouragement for both the young patient and for their parents.
“It’s with you every day,” she tells her young charges. “Your medical team is your support, but you are in charge.”
As Alyse began looking for other ways to give back, she looked into one support group that she saw making a difference in these families lives – “Kids With Courage.” Alyse now serves as their Communications/ Public Relations chair.
“I’ve lived with diabetes since I was four, so when I first got in touch with Kids With Courage, I immediately appreciated its purpose. Now, as a nurse on the floor that takes in newly diagnosed children at Children’s Mercy, I literally see the impact this organization has. For my patients, I try to give medical information, infused with personal experience, to help my families cope with their diagnosis, and Kids With Courage’s crates have been such a blessing in this venture. I see what these crates do. Every day, I see the impact they have. It’s one thing that helps a family see a glimmer of light in a seemingly dark future. It’s tangible hope in the form of books and resource materials, helpful items and a cuddly, soft bear.
“My hope and prayer is that every child and young adult diagnosed with diabetes can reach the same end that I have. Diabetes has not stopped me from reaching my fullest potential, and with organizations like Kids With Courage, I have faith that children and young adults with diabetes will know that diabetes should never stop them from doing what they want to do, either!”
The Kids With Courage Foundation, a 501c(3) was started by Daphna Bottcher, whose young daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This organization provides support and encouragement to help these children and families.
The organization’s annual Gala One Inspired Evening was Nov. 4. This event celebrates their efforts of working together to keep dreams alive for the children and families with Type 1 diabetes in the Kansas City area. Held at Longview Mansion it was an evening full of fun, good food, silent auctions and inspiration. To find out how you can support this effort, visit www.kidswithcourage.org/ways.
Mary Pechar can be reached at 816.582.5890
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