Springfield, Mo. – When Cannon Ebbrecht and Trey Watson discovered there was no local support network for families coping with Type 1 diabetes, they founded the Ozarks Tee 1 D Foundation. Six years after their own diagnoses, the duo now runs regular community events that bring together families facing the daily demands of the disease.
Family‑focused gatherings
The foundation’s calendar includes movie nights and mini‑golf outings, giving parents and children a chance to socialize with others who truly understand the constant calculations required to manage blood sugar. “We have events that let families be around people who get what they’re living with day‑to‑day,” Watson explained.
Living with Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Patients must monitor carbohydrate intake, calculate insulin doses and adjust for activity levels. “All I have to do is add up the carbs, type it into my phone, and it tells me how many units of insulin I need,” said Ebbrecht.
Watson highlighted how even a single slice of pie can dramatically affect blood sugar. “I love Thanksgiving food, but the extra piece of pie really changes my numbers, so I have to be very careful,” he said.
Dispelling myths
Both founders hear common misconceptions about the disease. “The biggest myth is that you can just eat better or exercise more and it will go away,” Watson noted. “In reality, we have to think about it every day.”
Insurance hurdles
Families also face battles with insurers over coverage for continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. “Just when you think you’ve figured it out, insurance decides they don’t want to cover the technology you’ve relied on for years,” said Shelley Ebbrecht, Cannon’s mother.
Hope for the future
While Type 1 diabetes currently has no cure, the foundation hopes that increased awareness and better technology will spur research breakthroughs. By creating a supportive community, the Ozarks Tee 1 D Foundation aims to improve quality of life for local families and empower them to advocate for needed medical coverage.
For more information about upcoming events or to get involved, visit the foundation’s Facebook page or contact the organizers directly.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
