“My daughter’s best friend, Emma, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August 2008. They have been “besties” since the day they met in kindergarden. Although Hannah was as supportive and involved as any 10 year old could be she felt as though she needed to do something tangible to help her most loved friend in the world. She came up with the idea to organize a fundraiser to help find a cure. With a little help from me she approached the school administration and parent council and organized “Dance for Diabetes.” Each class gathered pledges and used their gym class to dance. In total this small school raised over $2,800 and every penny was donated to JDRF. When Hannah was elected class president one of her campaign promises was to make Dance for Diabetes an annual event. Before she graduated from grade 5 she had secured a promise from her principal that she could return every year to host this event. Over the summer of 2009 my daughter organized “Hannah’s Great Garage Sale” where she sold her old bicycle, toys, books and clothing. She raised $350 which she has saved as her own pledge towards this years fundraiser. She will be hosting the 2nd annual Dance for Diabetes on Thursday November 19, 2009 at Richmond Public School and hopes to plan a second event at her new school. Her efforts aren’t only monetary. She calculates carbs, reads labels and will always make sure we have the right food in the house for Emma when she comes for a sleepover or for dinner. She’s educated her friends and her parents! I am so proud of Hannah’s compassion and committment. She is so sincere in her efforts and truly believes that somehow she will be a part of finding a cure for Emma. She is motivated to action purely by the love she feels for Emma.”