Raising awareness for early-onset diabetes
Before her second birthday, Plettenberg Bay youngster Ashley Williams was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, but instead of letting it affect her life negatively, it motivated her family to raise awareness about the disease.
On Saturday 17 November, the young girl’s mother Petronella Williams will be hosting a fun walk or run in Plett to do just that.
Williams explains that Ashley, now nine years old, was diagnosed with diabetes when she was only 23 months old.
“Because it was detected early we could make the necessary adjustments to ensure that she lives a relatively normal life,” Williams says.
She adds that never skipping her medication, eating healthy food and regular exercises have helped Ashley to enjoy life like most girls her age.
It is believed that about 7% of the South African population suffers from diabetes. “The message we are trying to get out there is the importance of early detection and then managing the disease.”
Some of the symptoms, she says, include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, tiredness, blurred vision and lack of concentration.
The event will kick off at Crossfit Plett at the Market Square Shopping Centre at 08:00 when participants can register before covering a 10.2km loop.
The entry fee is R50 for adults and R20 for children.
Williams says all the funds raised would be given to the local Clicks Pharmacy. “Clicks will then use the funds to subsidise, among others, blood glucose testing strips for those who need it. There will be a preapproved beneficiary list.” Find out more More info: Petronella Williams 071 030 0101.