| |  | | | |  | | Profile student Evelyn Moss was pictured with Governor Maggie Hassan in November at the Champion Among Children award ceremony in Concord. Fellow student Caleb Child also represented Profile School at the event. Moss and Child lead active lives while dealing with Type One diabetes.
Courtesy photo. (click for larger version) |
January 23, 2013 BETHLEHEM — Caleb Child and Evelyn Moss, two Profile students, recently discussed their efforts to live their dreams while coping with Type One diabetes. Their active lives and motivation to excel serve as models for others, according to school nurse Patty Baxter.
Baxter wrote letters to nominate Child and Moss for awards from the state Council for Children and Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions. The Council's Champion Among Children Awards recognize young people who do not flinch in the face of chronic health issues. State Senator Jeff Woodburn serves as Executive Director for the Council.
Baxter's nomination letters caught the Council's eye. Baxter wrote that Child "has manners, kindness and the ability to put others at ease."
He "realizes the bigger picture of being a good person and contributing to the community," Baxter wrote. "He never leaves my office without saying thank you," she concluded.
In describing Moss, Baxter said she is "courageous, strong and tenacious." Moss has "tackled her diabetes like she tackles everything in life," with great determination. This has included a low blood glucose scare during a bike race.
Moss, like Child, does not use diabetes as an excuse, Baxter wrote. "I think both of these amazing young adults deserve many awards in life," she informed the Council.
In a conversation with Baxter, she called Child and Moss "exemplary students, as well as human beings." She praised the duo for their academic and athletic achievements.
Child said he was honored by the award. He finds Baxter to be an important supporter who is very helpful. "She's a really great nurse," Child said. "She treats me like a son, too."
Moss enjoyed meeting then Governor-elect Hassan at the award ceremony. She said that her strong group of family and other supporters is "definitely a motivator" to do well in life.
Moss said the award ceremony was a chance to meet other kids. She said several of the young people she met "have illnesses so much worse than mine."
Child and Moss both play three high school sports. They do great in school and athletics while dealing with a difficult chronic condition, Baxter said.
Baxter noted that parents should be aware of the warning signs for Type One Diabetes. These include weight loss, excessive thirst, and general fatigue. Those with the disease must monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.
Monitoring is especially important for those who lead the active lifestyles that are so central to Child and Moss. Moss noted that she carries a note in school that allows her to leave class to get water or use the restroom, two things that Type One patients may need to do often.
Woodburn finds great inspiration from his work with kids who triumph over health problems. He said that such children "inspire us with their resiliency, courage and spirit."
Child and Moss are great examples for all people, Woodburn said. "We are very proud of their accomplishment and more importantly the quality of their character," he concluded.
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