During National Diabetes Awareness Month, a Sherman family is appealing for community assistance to obtain a diabetic alert dog for their three‑year‑old daughter, Emma, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November.

According to KXII, Emma’s symptoms—extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and a sweet smell on her breath—were initially mistaken for a viral illness. The next day she became pale and could not get out of bed, prompting an emergency trip to Cook Children’s Hospital where doctors diagnosed her with Type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis, a life‑threatening condition caused by critically low insulin.

Westbrook explained that Emma now relies on an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor, which together have replaced the more than 180 injections she previously received each month. While the technology is a “lifesaver,” the family notes that monitors can fail or give false readings at night, forcing them to stay up checking Emma’s blood‑sugar levels.

Because there is no pediatric endocrinologist in the Texoma area, the Westbrooks are looking to a diabetic alert dog as a backup safety measure. The dog would be trained to detect a drop in blood‑sugar levels and alert the parents, potentially waking them before a dangerous episode occurs.

“Unfortunately there’s no pediatric endocrinologist in the Texoma area,” Nicanor said, adding that a trained dog could “wake you up to say ‘hey go check your daughter.’” The family estimates the cost of the dog at $30,000. They have already saved roughly one‑third of that amount through contributions from friends and family, and they are now asking the broader Sherman community for additional help.

Westbrook emphasized the financial strain, noting, “These days everything is so expensive, and a little bit here and there from anybody would go a long way.” The couple hopes their story will encourage other parents to seek early screening for diabetes in children.

Sources: kxii.com