Mission Statement &
Rocco's Story
MISSION STATEMENT
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It shall be the mission of this corporation to create public awareness of the need for diabetes screening, particularly of young children, and to distribute information by pamphlets and similar communications at sporting events and otherwise to inform the public about the symptoms of diabetes and dangers of the unknown or untreated diabetes for the support for those dealing with a diagnosis of, or research related to, juvenile diabetes such as by promoting the slogan: "Check Don't Guess." and Education is Knowledge & Knowledge is the Power to Help Save Lives!
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ROCCO'S STORY FROM MOM
- By Heather Kuehl
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Rocco Cole Kuehl was born on January 7th, 2009.
He was a happy, healthy baby boy. His sister Lacy just loved being a big sister and would want to do everything she could to look after him, feed him, change his diapers, bathe him, and read to him but most of all, she loved him with all her heart; we all did.
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One evening, shortly after Rocco celebrated his 1st Birthday, we noticed that his breathing had changed, and he seemed more tired than usual. I took him to a walk-in clinic the following day; I told them I was concerned about his breathing and lethargic. They told me he had a virus and that if he didn't improve in a day or two, I should take him to his Pediatrician (during his examination, Rocco slept the whole time). Rocco slept most of the day; he didn't have a fever. So why was he so tired?
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That evening I took him to the ER. 4 Hours later, he was Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and was in DKA ( Diabetic Ketoacidosis ). Rocco was critical. Sunday, while in the NICU, he started having Seizures (caused by swelling in his brain). Shortly after that, Rocco had another seizure while in the CT room. We watched as they tried to save our son.
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He was taken to St Pete All Children's Hospital. At approx. 3 am Monday 25th January, we were told our son was in a coma and that he was brain dead. Tests proved the doctors correct, and we had to make the hardest decision in our lives, to turn off the machines that were keeping him alive. I held my son in my arms for the last time and told him how much we loved him. I held him close and tight until his little heart stopped beating. I didn't want to let him go. That moment will stay with us forever. No parent should ever have to lose a child, and we believe that if we had known the signs and symptoms of Type 1, Diabetes, Rocco would have been diagnosed sooner and correctly. He would still be here with us today.
We don't ever want this to happen to another family.
Knowledge is power. Knowing the Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes can save a life. Please help us spread Awareness of Type 1 Diabetes and the Sudden Onset of DKA. It could help save the life of another child. Thank you for your support.
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