Greetings Friends & Family

Looking out the window listening to the birds chirp and watching the kids play outside, I can't believe that Spring has sprung a little early in the Pacific Northwest. Spring brings great times including the 28th annual Nordstrom Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes event. This has become an annual event for our family and we are so excited to be participating again on May 16, 2010 in Seattle, WA. Save the date because we would love for you to join Team Ben in this outstanding event.

This past year has been filled with some new adventures for Ben. He travelled with Rick to Washington, DC, to participate as a delegate in the JDRF's Children's Congress. It was a wonderful opportunity for Ben to spend some time with kids just like him. He made some new friends and learned a lot about diabetes and what is being done by the government to help fund the necessary research to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Ben started second grade at Carl Cozier Elementary School in the Fall, where he loves to learn, read and socialize with his friends. He is active in taekwondo and soccer and continues to be the best big brother to Amelia and Sam. Ben remains healthy and his diabetes is under good control, but we have struggled with more high blood sugars and elevated A1C's this year, which is frustrating to Rick and me. It has been over five years since Ben was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It's unbelievable how time flies.

Recently we visited with Ben's doctor whom he has become pretty close with, and he told him that "Diabetes isn't so bad. It's ok that I have to do what I do." Sitting there next to him, I wanted to cry. It was all I could do to keep it together because this amazing attitude is what inspires Rick and me daily. Ben, just like all other children and adults afflicted with Type 1, endures a lot. Finger pokes, infusion site changes, injections, sick days, time out of the classroom for testing purposes and food monitoring, the new self awareness that he is a little "different"... The list goes on and on. Ben takes it all in stride and charges ahead with life, not batting an eye and rarely complaining.

The JDRF is working on amazing technology which really encourages us. Ben recently began a trial with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) which allows us to see the trends in his blood sugar in real time. It is an incredible way for us to see what is happening to his blood sugar and allows us to fine tune his insulin. This is not a cure, just another step in the right direction. It just takes time and patience and lots of funding. For this reason, we ask that you consider supporting the JDRF in its effort to raise money to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. We realize that times are difficult for many families. Folks are working harder and saving their pennies more than ever. Your support in any way is very much appreciated. If you can't make a monetary contribution to Team Ben, we simply appreciate the well wishes and support that you all give to us as being our family and friends. Furthermore, what we really want is your presence in Seattle on May 16th. Come run or walk with us! We would love to have you join Team Ben. It is truly an inspiring event.

As always, thank you for your past support and thank you for reading about Ben and what our family has been up to on the diabetes front. Have a fantastic Spring season and enjoy those singing birds!

In peace and good health,

Winnie, Rick, Ben, Amelia and Sam Rosbach