Family's brave steps towards finding a cure

A little resident living with a serious condition is calling on the Busselton community to dig deep and join in as he and his family take part in an important fundraising event.

Six year old Kye was just 14 months old when he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), kicking off a steep learning curve for his family, including mum Shanan, dad Brayden, siblings Jett and Bodie, and their extended family.

Shanan said it was important that people understood the challenges T1D families faced each day.

“It’s a condition that affects every part of daily life,” she explained. “People without experience may not realise the constant monitoring and decision-making that goes on behind the scenes.

“The ups and downs of blood sugar levels can be unpredictable, and each decision-whether it’s about food, insulin, or even emotions-can have a direct impact on Kye’s health.

“When locals understand what goes into managing T1D, they can offer more meaningful support. It can also help reduce any stigma or misunderstandings about the condition.

“Understanding brings empathy, and empathy is crucial. It helps to know that a community supports us not only when things are good but especially when they’re tough, because T1D doesn’t take days off.”

Shanan said the complexities of dealing with T1D often went under the radar.

“Type 1 Diabetes is so much more than the idea that ‘you can’t eat sugar’. Kye, like other people with T1D, can eat sugar, carbs, and all kinds of food, as long as he gets the correct amount of insulin to balance it out.

“What people don’t see is all the other things we have to think about constantly. I’m counting carbs, adjusting insulin doses, double-checking if I’ve packed enough treatments in case of a hypo, or worrying if I’ve done everything right.

“It’s a relentless job. I’m not just his mum; I’m his nurse, his endocrinologist, his dietitian, and I have to juggle all that with raising my other two kids.

“There’s never a moment to relax. It’s mentally and physically exhausting, and sometimes it feels like there’s no break from it. But at the same time, we can’t stop caring or trying to get it right, because his health depends on it. I can’t take it away from him, and that’s one of the hardest parts.”

Next month, family, friends and others living with T1D will take part in the Busselton One Walk, in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The event will take place from 7.30am on Sunday March 16, with a walk down Busselton Jetty as well as music, food and entertainment to celebrate all the efforts from fundraisers.

Shanan said sharing the journey with other families, and receiving support from the community, had been invaluable.

“Kye has support not only from his family and close friends but also from the wider community.

“It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to see people who don’t even know him care so much, to see them come together to make a difference.

“This fundraiser is more than just raising money – it’s about raising awareness and showing Kye that there’s a whole network of people who are cheering him on, who are willing to fight alongside us in this battle.

“It brings hope in the toughest times, and it reminds us that there’s so much good in the world, even when things seem impossible.”

To support Kye, visit walk.jdrf.org.au/fundraisers/kyescrewforacure