Lacy Kuehl's
Next Event
March 23-24th
NASCAR Drive for Diversity Combine

Oakley, age 9 at the time was a very active kid, He raced go-karts, he played soccer, baseball but his passion is go-kart racing. He was always playing outside and helping his family with chores, cutting wood, and yard work. One day we were out working in the yard and it was a very warm day, Oak just could not get enough water. That was the first time I had noticed his excessive thirst, so later that evening I mentioned it to my wife, Christin.  She told me that earlier in the week he was having some issues with bed-wetting that were out of the ordinary.  Christin is very familiar with diabetes and their symptoms because her two brothers have T1D and her dad had T2D, so she made Oak's first Doctor’s appointment, which would be April 4, 2017. 

April 4, 2017, was the day that changed our lives.  

We noticed signs of diabetes but didn't want to think it was true the thirst, urinating wetting the bed we noticed the symptoms about a few before making the appointment with the family Doctor, we arrived for our appointment and the family Doctor pricked Oakley's finger to check his Blood Glucose and his number was 443. The Doctor was very concerned of our child as he was on the verge of being in Diabetic Ketoacidosis, 443 for anyone it's alarming especially since Oakley 9 at the time was not diagnosed as a Diabetic. The Doctor sent us to the local hospital to do blood work to double check his number it was the same and his a1c was 10.2 then we went back to the family Doctor's office and he told us to pack our bags and go straight to Erie, Hospital as there is a bed waiting for Oakley and he needs urgent care now "TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE". When we arrived we went straight up to the room where a nurse came in and give Oakley a shot of insulin and they kept watch on his numbers every 2 hours until they got his numbers under control. Oakley was on the verge of diabetic ketoacidosis but Mom and Dad did the right thing and got him tested. Good Job MOM and DAD...

 We spent 4 days in the hospital learning about diabetes and administering shots so we would know how to do it  by day 4 Oakley's numbers where under control and he was pricking his fingers and giving himself his shots on his own and has been doing it himself ever since, he has learned how to count carbs and gives himself enough insulin to cover the food he eats. We had to have help learning how to transition this 9-year old from being able to eat whatever he wants, to learning how to count and calculate everything he eats, as well as how to give himself shots.  This had to be one of the scariest times in our lives. 
One of the first things Oak asked when we finally were getting this under control was “Can I still race?”  We told him you could do whatever you want!   This disease is not going to stop you.

  Over the last 2 years now, Oakley has shared a lot about his diabetes with his friends, they have all watched him check his blood sugar, and give himself shots.  We think it is important to share and educate people because you would not believe the number of people we have talked to that have no clue what diabetes is and how it affects a child and their family. 

 Oakley now 11 Junior 2 driver and is a track champ with many trophies, this kid is a true wheelman. Oakley is dealing with something no kid should have to deal with. Some kids understand diabetes better then others and some kids will struggle. Oakley was awarded by his School  "The Good Citizenship Award" Oakley has proven that even with diabetes you can do anything you want to do and become an ambassador for Diabetes Awareness.  Never give up the fight!  

We would like personally thank the Kuehl family and the Drive for Diabetes Awareness program for the opportunity to share Oakley’s story and help raise awareness.