Madison Middle School Student Blake Lillicraf is off to the races, despite his diabetes.
He was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes in November 2012, according to a press release from the Fairfield County JDRF Chapter.
"Blake used his creative talent and networking abilities developed through active participation in an Alzheimer’s awareness group to propel himself to the finals in Ford Customer Service Division’s “Our Everyday Heroes” Race Car Design Contest for JDRF, where he was chosen as the winner, raising $6,550 for T1D research in the process," the release states.
The 13-year-old plays baseball, baseball and lacrosse, runs and snowboards. He is also an avid drawer, said his mother, Dianne.
Dianne told the JDRF chapter that "from the very beginning he took it upon himself to take his insulin. We remind him to test, but other than that, he took charge. We’re kind of blessed that way – he was old enough to do that.”
More money can be raised.
"For the first time, fans can text to make donations to JDRF. Money raised will be added to Blake’s fundraising total. Just text “JDRF” to 20222 once, anytime between now and August 16, 2013. A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance," according to the release.
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