Olivia Able's Art for Diabetes

Two years ago, Olivia Able was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was a life-changing diagnosis for the Ables. Olivia's mom, Haley Able, explains, "My perspective has changed. Our job as a parent is to protect our children. I feel like some days that has become a full-time event." Diabetes is a full-time job for parents and people with diabetes once they take on their own management. Haley has gone many nights without rest as she works on bringing Olivia's blood glucose levels back into a safe range. She still has to show up as a mom for her other children and be present at work. 

"My perspective has changed. Our job as a parent is to protect our children. I feel like some days that has become a full-time event."

For Olivia, diabetes has been a challenge in many ways. Olivia has had to give up certain activities and has to give up time with her friends because there isn't a trained adult to help her if something goes wrong. "The hardest part," explains Olivia, "is having high or low blood sugars. It's hard. And not being able to do the things other kids do. Like parties, when everyone gets candy, but I can't have any." Rather than letting diabetes defeat her, Olivia decided there was something she could do to make sure nobody else has to deal with diabetes. Art for Diabetes is Olivia's way of giving back because, as she explains, "I have diabetes, and I want it to go away. I don't want to see other kids being sad, not being able to do other things kids do, or even dying."

Olivia's big sister helped teach her how to draw. Olivia knew her favourite animal, the dragon, would be perfect for raising money for diabetes. Olivia explains, "Dragons are my favourite to draw because they are big and strong and full of magic. I want to be a dragon too." Indeed, dragons are a perfect representation of every person living with diabetes: they are strong and ferocious. They do not give up on life because things get difficult. 

 "I have diabetes, and I want it to go away. I don't want to see other kids being sad, not being able to do other things kids do, or even dying."

Seeing Olivia take on Art for Diabetes has been a proud moment for Haley. "I am so proud of her," she explains, "she has a heart of gold and a vibrant personality. Olivia will grow up to be a voice for other children like her. She is an advocate that's for sure."

Thank you, Olivia, for your commitment to finding a cure for diabetes! And thank you to the rest of the Ables, especially Haley, for helping Olivia organize this fundraiser!