GARNER — Amaya Bahnsen's parents noticed their kindergartner was drinking a lot of water — but did not think too much of it.
But when Amaya woke her parents in the middle of the night to help her refill a 32-ounce water bottle that she had drunk, "that did it," June recalled.
Today, Amaya is an active, happy first-grader at Garner-Hayfield Elementary School and is dealing with the disease with insulin shots and a careful diet. She gets lots of support from her first-grade teacher, Lisa Johnson, school nurse Bonnie Hiscocks and her family — which includes dad Mike and sister Chloe, 5.
But June also wanted to make sure Amaya's fellow students also understood what Type 1 was all about so they would not feel Amaya was different or "that she had something catching."
June got together with Hiscocks to discuss what could be done and talk about planning some walks for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
That goal of awareness was realized Tuesday when June, Hiscocks and Toni Mortensen, development coordinator of the Greater Iowa chapter of the JDRF, presented information about the disease to all grades — and also challenged the kids to help support both students and staff who have Type 1.
"A lot of people don't know what it means," June said. "And we felt it was important that they also recognize the signs of diabetes."
In addition, two student activities this week will raise funds for JDRF. The first is today, Crazy Sock Day, that allows kids to wear crazy socks if they bring $1 for JDRF.
And, on Friday children will be able to participate in a Crazy Hair Day, also for $1. They can also order JDRF T-shirts.
Mortensen, who has had Type 1 diabetes since the age of 12, explained to students the use of insulin and why the diabetes occurs.
"Even though you've dealt with it since you're young, sometimes when you hit your teens, you get embarrassed about it," Mortensen said before the presentation. Talking about it is better for everyone, she said.
"It was good," agreed a shy Amaya, who nonetheless grinned when a fellow classmate passed her just following the assembly, and said excitedly,"I am going to help you."
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