St Rose Students Raise Awareness

For Juvenile Diabetes

More than 50 St Rose of Lima School students have Type 1 diabetes.

Recently, St Rose students, including 14-year-old Patricia Culligan, brother Kevin Culligan, and Leah Mais, took part in the Fairfield Chapter of the Juvenile Research Diabetes Research Foundation’s annual spring luncheon fashion show, “A Touch of Spring” at the Inn at Ethan Allen in Danbury.

The event included a raffle and cocktail hour.

Children’s fashions were provided by the Lollipop Guild; women’s fashions were provided by “57” Chic Boutique. Hollandia Nursery in Bethel provided flowers. Styling was provided by Ricci’s of Newtown and Stylin’ of Norwalk.

The fundraiser aimed to raise awareness for juvenile diabetes. Patricia was diagnosed with the condition at age 8. Though she has accepted her diagnosis as part of life, she told attendees that she hopes to someday be needle-free and cured.

Recently her younger brother, Kevin, was diagnosed with the same condition.

“I’ve often heard that when God closes one door, he opens a window,” Patricia, the guest speaker, reflected during her speech. “I could help my brother learn about his disease, and now we’re always around to help each other out!”

Patricia discussed how she and Kevin continue to “support each other in everything we do.”

“I’ve often been called down to the nurse to help get Kevin’s sugars under control,” she explained, “and he’s often had to give me tablets when I’ve forgotten mine.”

Individuals interested in participating in or supporting the annual luncheon and fashion show or contributing to the research efforts of the Fairfield Chapter of the Juvenile Research Diabetes Research Foundation may contact Chris Mais at 426-5093.