The Moreno family held a 5k fundraiser on Saturday to help them afford a diabetes alert dog for their two daughters.
Mckenzie and Thalia Moreno were diagnosed with type one diabetes a few years ago. A type one diabetic's pancreas does not produce insulin and their blood sugar levels can drop or spike at any given time. A diabetes alert dog is able to detect changes to blood sugar using their sense of smell and alert someone when their levels become dangerous.
"We have spent a lot of sleepless nights worrying about if they are going to wake up the next morning," said Mckenna Moreno, the girl's mother.
She said so far the community had really helped them raise money to afford the dog. A diabetes alert dog costs about $20,000.
"We've seen a really good outcome so far and it's been amazing to see how many people care," said Mckenna.
Mckenzie said she loves dogs and she hopes the specially-trained animal will help her stay safe. She said having diabetes means she can't do everything other children can do.
"It's hard and it's frustrating. Sometimes other kids eat in front of you and your blood sugar's too high and you can't eat anything," said Mckenzie.
She said other children in her fourth grade class bring in cupcakes and donuts for their birthday, but she can't participate because he blood sugar could spike from the food.
Daniel Bolden also has a daughter with type one diabetes. He was able to afford her alert dog a few months ago with the help of fundraisers and donations. He said their alert dog has helped them breathe a little easier.
"It gives us peace of mind at night cause a lot of the time he alerts us when we're sleeping," Bolden said.
So far the Moreno's have raised about $4,000. They plan to have more fundraisers. They are also accepting donations at the following link. Donations must be specified for the Moreno family. The Guardian Angel Service Dog Website
Mckenna said she is very happy with the turnout so far.
"This means the world to our family. It would make our lives a lot easier having this dog around and if it saves one of their lives one day it's worth every penny," Mckenna said.
