Kids fight killer

By Lia Bichel
YOUNG Berwick resident will promote Type 1 Diabetes awareness with 39 youth ambassadors at Parliament House next month.
The Kids in the House program at Parliament House on 28 July gives diabetic youth the chance to meet their local minister, tour the building and give speeches about what a cure would mean to them.
Seven-year-old Lavinia was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on 13 December.
Her mother, Jo Martin, took her to Monash Hospital after Lavinia showed warning signs while they were at a restaurant for a family dinner.
“We were out for dinner one night and she drank a whole carafe of water and a milkshake before dinner arrived at our table,” Ms Martin said.
“Then we went to her sister’s school concert and she kept asking for more drinks.”
Ms Martin’s mother insisted that Lavinia go to Monash Hospital to be checked by the doctor. The doctor diagnosed Lavinia with the disease and she stayed in the hospital for the next five days.
“It was a nightmare,” Ms Martin said.
“She was constantly given insulin and getting her finger pricks. She kept crying because she didn’t want anyone near her. She didn’t think anything was wrong with her,” she said.
Six months later, though Lavinia is not pleased to be poked and prodded, she has adjusted to daily doses of insulin and constant finger pricks.
Her mother gives her a needle each morning before breakfast and one before tea.
Lavinia has also reduced her sugar intake and has started counting her carbohydrates.
In an attempt to help people with diabetes, Lavinia signed up as a youth ambassador through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Through her role, Lavinia has increased community awareness by organising fundraising activities, selling jelly babies door to door and at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, and writing to State and Federal Members of Parliament.
Fellow diabetic, Bass MP Ken Smith met with Lavinia after receiving a letter, and they discussed their similarities and differences.
Lavinia will meet up again with Mr Smith when she makes the trip to Parliament House on 28 July.