A Service Dog For Ashlyn

I am Brianne Bice, 8th grade student of Hernandez Middle School. As a 8th grade student we have the privilege of completing a inter baccalaureate project. For my project I have chosen to support Ashlyn Marion a 16 year old who was recently diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. My project is to raise the funding necessary for her to have a service dog to help save her life. Terry and Nancy Cadle of River's Edge Diabetes Alert Dogs of College Station will be providing the training for her service dog. This is near and dear to my heart because my sister, Delylah Bice, who is 8 years old has a service dog named Lulu, for low blood sugar detection also trained by Nancy and Terry. I have watched Lulu her service dog, save her life numerous times. To better understand her story the following was written by Ashlyn Marion herself "As I sat with my family at dinner tonight I was overcome with the feelings of reflection, thankfulness, and rejoice. Today is a day that many would see as just another normal day, and for many it is, but for me today is a miracle and a blessing. Two years ago my cousin Emily happened to slam my hand between two car doors and broke my finger. Little did I know at that time that by breaking my finger she was also contributing to saving my life. Two years ago, my sister Meagan LeAnn was so excited that she was able to draw my blood. Little did we know that my blood work would change my life. Two years ago I got sent home from school because of a migraine, that same day Katelyn Cheyenne Marion was also sent home with a stomach bug. Little did we know at that time that I did not also have a stomach bug but that I had a chronic illness. Two years ago on this day my life was changed. Two years ago I was told that the average bloodsugar level is 80-100, where as at the time my blood sugar was over 900. Two years ago I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. When I was told that I had type 1 I didn't really know what the future would hold for me, but as I sit here tonight I wish I could go back and tell myself not to worry that this is a part of God's plan and that I would be just fine. These past two years I have had some very great times and some very low moments. I have struggled with my blood sugar. I have missed to many school days, birthdays, and fun times because of diabetes to count. I have lost countless hours of sleep and comfort because of low blood sugar, ketones, leg cramps, and headaches. I've lost self confidence and self esteem. My weight has fluctuated so much to that I am never sure if I'll be able to fit my clothes the next day. I have had to give myself shots, had allergic reactions to my insulin pump and dexcom, and have had to check my bloodsugar over 10 times a day. These past two years have been difficult and I have struggled to see the point to life some days. But even though I have had these struggles I am blessed and greatful to have been diagnosed. Without being diagnosed I could have gone into a coma or died. I wouldn't cherish the small things in life because I would not be able to realize how important each moment and person in life is. I would not be as close with my family as what I am now. I would not be able to testify about God's mercy and greatfulness as what I am able to today. These past two years have been such a blessing and throughout each low I have had through these years God has always been right by my side. Through out these two years because of being diagnosed I have been able to learn how to appreciate life, love, my family and friends, the importance of faith, the struggle to keep faith, humbleness, and the importance to learn others stories and their testimonies. These past two years have been both the hardest and greatest years of my life. I am so thankful to be able celebrate today as my life day and the people and memories I have been able to meet and make. Thank you everyone for being so supportive of me, always being there for me, and praying for me. It means more to me than what anyone will ever know. I want to thank my family for always standing by my side, and for loving me through all of this. Never forget to be thankful for the small things in life, to find the silver lining of each moment, to appreciate those around you, and to rejoice and give thanks to the lord."

If you have the opportunity to help Ashlyn with a financial contribution , it would be a great blessing for her and her family. Even a simple share on your social media pages would be a great benefit to this cause.

Thank you,

Brianne Bice

8th grade IB student

Hernandez Middle School

Round Rock Texas