THE close-knit Laang community is united in the fight against juvenile diabetes.
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Banding together in support for 12-year-old Ella Pattison, Laang residents will take on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Walk to Cure Diabetes in Warrnambool on Sunday.
The brains behind the Laang Community Supports Ella team, Brooke Dean, said Ella’s positive attitude inspired the fund-raising efforts.
“Ella’s such a great girl, she’s an inspiration to my kids and a great friend and we just wanted to help her,” Mrs Dean said.
“My son was sick at the start of the year and that made me realise how lucky we are and made me want to help others.”
Having raised more than $2000 the team is on track to reach its $3000 goal, which will help fund ongoing stem cell and pancreas research to cure type 1 diabetes.
“I think we’ll get there and every little bit helps,” Mrs Dean said.
“Obviously the money helps with the research but the walk is a great way to thank the people (and) the Diabetes Resource Centre in Warrnambool for everything they do for people like Ella and all the other kids out there.”
Ella, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes earlier this year, said she will join the walk to thank those who have supported her.
“There’s been really big changes, having the insulin that’s a big thing and going to school as well it’s been very different,” she said.
“I think my greatest support has been my twin brother Joe. He’s always been there for me and is always encouraging and being really helpful and supportive.
“I feel really grateful for Brooke doing it and really supported by the Laang community.” Ella’s mum, Fran Pattison, said she is proud of how well Ella manages her diabetes and her positive outlook.
“Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is life-changing and brings with it a lot of challenge about diet, treatment and lifestyle, but the other thing is since her diagnosis and treatment she’s now well and healthy and can do all the things she wants to do in life,” she said.
“It’s challenging but with the support we have in Warrnambool with the paediatricians and the diabetic educator, dietitians and councillors, we feel really supported.
“The Laang community are not just neighbours, they’re our friends so it was no surprise to me that Brooke registered a team so we could all walk together and support Ella.
“We really believe that in Ella’s lifetime she won’t be injected insulin her whole life, that there will be something better for her in the future.”
The event will be held at Lake Pertobe in Warrnambool on Sunday, October 5. Donations can be made online at www.jdrf.org.au/walk or in person at Stringer Clark.