Parker Shadoan

Many of us know the lovely Shadoan family — Tom and Ashley and their super cute kiddos. Their son Parker (above) was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago. He has dealt with it remarkably well and has been the driving force behind the Four Rivers Walk to Cure Diabetes. The next one is Saturday, April 24, at Noble Park.

With the Shadoan’s permission, I wanted to share a recent email that Tom wrote about Parker. The middle school years can be so difficult as it is — it’s heartwarming to read how Parker’s classmates have rallied around him.

Here’s the email from Tom:

The following is a quick note to our family and friends about Parker.

As many of you have noticed, Parker has been fairly quiet regarding his diabetes this past year. After two years of much publicity in newspapers, magazine articles, and tv coverage, Parker has chosen to be less conspicuous as a middle school student.

However, Parker still must manage his diabetes at all times, even when at school. Before Parker can eat anything he must prick his finger and check the blood sugar level in efforts to give himself the appropriate amount of insulin. Parker is now very discrete about this process. He usually keeps his equipment in his jacket pocket and places it in his lap under the lunchroom table. Parker’s lunch table friends at school have been very nonchalant about the entire process.

Recently, Ashley was told by one of the lunch buddies’ moms about Parker’s lunch buddies’ daily “pool.” It appears the boys have been having a contest at lunch to find out who can guess Parker’s Blood Sugar Level. The winner of the daily pool is who guesses the closest number to his actual blood sugar level. The winner gets a piece of popcorn or some other insignificant prize. Evidently, the game is the highlight of the day for all of them. As word got out about the game via the boys and their parents, many people have asked Parker if they can join the “pool”, including one of his former principals.

Needless to say, Ashley and I were overjoyed by the kindness and comfort his friends have bestowed upon him. Middle school is not very fun for anyone and such a small amount of inclusion is helpful.

Parker has another “pool” we want to tell you about. This “pool” is the money he raised for the Four Rivers Walk to Cure Diabetes. Parker raised $16,000 last year for the 1st Four Rivers Walk to Cure Diabetes. This year he is trying to raise $20,000.00. Please be a part of this “pool” and give to Parker’s Pack to help raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the 2010 Four Rivers Walk to Cure Diabetes. This year’s walk is Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Noble Park. Registration is at 1:00pm and the walk will begin at 2:30pm. Please come out and join us.

For those of you who have already donated we GREATLY appreciate the support., but we also wanted to share this story with you. All other donations can be made online or mailed directly to:

JDRF Kentuckiana
133 Evergreen Rd, Suite 101
Louisville, KY 40243
Attention: Parker’s Pack

Thank you for your support,

Ashley and Tom Shadoan