ANDY’S FIGHT FOR FREEDOM FROM DIABETES

ANDY’S FIGHT FOR FREEDOM FROM DIABETES
BY ARI AND SAM SCHLANGER (10 years old) 

WITH ANDY LEIKIND (8 years old)

This will be one of my yearly blogs about my cousin Andy’s bravery living with type one diabetes. This year, Andy and my brother Sam will help me write it.

Last year, and this year, my family had a boxing party to raise money and awareness for type one diabetes research. A quote from Andy: “Living with type one can be rough. But I won’t let it get me down. I will keep fighting.” 

I’ve always known Andy to be the brave one in the family. She’s overcome a lot of obstacles and has gone through a lot. But that won’t stop her. Whenever I see her, there’s always that unmistakable smile on her face. She’s never sad. One of the most amazing things I notice about her is when I go to the JDRF walk for diabetes, I see so many people there. Then I realize how many people care, how many people help, and find a place in their heart for Andy. 

Andy’s JDRF walk team is called “Andy’s Warrior Princesses (And Princes)”. It is one of the most inspiring things I have ever experienced. After all, you can only be a princess if you’re a warrior.

“Hope is the little voice you hear whisper “maybe” when it seems the entire world is shouting “no!” -Anonymous

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”- Ed Sheeran

P.S. If you want to donate to Andy’s JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) fundraising page, click here!