Adriana Lark, Miller's mum, says, "Miller is the bravest, most resilient and happy little kid, despite her early challenges. While we're still learning and adjusting every day, we are making progress, and with every day, there's new hope!"
Miller's Easter Saturday diagnosis
The journey began with subtle signs that something was amiss.
Adriana recalls, "We noticed Miller was starting to drink excessive amounts of water, which in turn was causing her to wet through nappies within the hour."
At first, it happened mostly at night, but soon, it was a daytime issue as well. Concerned, Miller's parents took her to the emergency room. Their first visit yielded a troubling diagnosis, but not the one they'd later discover.
"This initially started at nighttime and then progressed to the day also. We then presented to Emergency only to be informed it sounded like a virus and not to be concerned. This was a likely response for an 18-month-old attending daycare 4 days per week," Adriana explained.
But four days later, on Easter Saturday, the situation took a terrifying turn.
"Miller was very lethargic and was completely off her food - something that never happens! She slept most of the morning and by mid-afternoon, she started projectile vomiting. Her dad took her straight to Emergency again and raised his concerns about diabetes instantly. Miller was in DKA," Adriana recalled.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes. It’s the result of very high blood sugar and low insulin levels, which causes ketones to build up in the blood. Left untreated, DKA can be life threatening.
Caring for a child with T1D: A monumental challenge
Caring for a child with T1D is a daily endeavor filled with countless calculations, mood swings driven by blood glucose highs and lows, financial strain, and constant alarms.
"It (T1D) is a very isolating illness. Unless you're faced with it, people don't understand the sheer gravity. I feel the loneliness is above all else the hardest part to handle," Adriana admitted.
Despite the difficulties, Miller's diagnosis has brought Adriana and her husband closer than ever, as they united in the face of their daughter's diagnosis.
"On the positive side, it has brought Chris and I closer than ever as we constantly work towards the same goal. We have also found through sharing our story that we have had some friends reach out, grow closer, and bend over backward wanting to help and support us," Adriana noted.
Support systems and resources that made a difference
Adriana and her family found support from organizations like JDRF and The Type 1 Foundation. These entities offered care packages, mentors, and vital information.
"I do also want to point out the overwhelming support we have received from both mine and my partner's companies as well as Miller's daycare," Adriana emphasised.
"All of this support has not gone unnoticed, and our appreciation is beyond anything we can place into words."
For parents who are new to the world of T1D, Adriana offers heartfelt advice. She understands the overwhelming emotions that can accompany the diagnosis.
"The advice I would give to other parents who are new to the world of T1D is that every emotion you are experiencing is completely valid and warranted."
She assures them that while it never gets easier, they will become more confident in managing the disease, learning as they go.
A family's walk for a world without T1D
Adriana's wish is simple but profound. "I wish for a future without T1D. I wish that no parent, child, no one, should ever have to go through the stress of being diagnosed or having a loved one diagnosed with T1D. My true wish is to eradicate T1D altogether."
The Lark/Clement family are participating in One Walk this year, driven by a deep desire to contribute to the cause that had supported them from the start.
"We joined One Walk so we could give back to a fund that was very forward in supporting us from the very beginning," Adriana explained.
"We are looking forward to Miller walking amongst others facing her daily struggles also and knowing she is not alone in this – plus hopefully contributing to finding a cure in the not-too-distant future."
Would you like to help Magnificent Miller and her family live in a world without T1D? You can support their team here. Alternatively, you can support by attending your local Walk this Sunday by registering here.
