In 2000, Martha`s parents learned their tiny daughter has Type 1 diabetes. Martha was only six months old. Immediately
her doctors put her on insulin injections twice a day. Beyond the daily injections, Martha`s parents would test her
blood sugar levels seven times a day and once in the middle of the night.
Martha responded well to treatment, but then in 2001 became extremely lethargic and stopped gaining weight. The doctors
then learned that Martha had celiac disease, a disease that impacted her young digestive system. Martha began a rigorous
diet free of wheat and gluten. Celiac disease combined with diabetes overwhelmed Martha and her family.
After years of injections, Martha began using the insulin pump at age five and began kindergarten. Today Martha is
anxiously awaiting her summer treat-attending camp at the Atlanta Aquarium. The family continues to courageously
manage the ups and downs of the life of a diabetic child with celiac disease. Martha`s mom says, "We along with Martha
take it one day at a time; however, we never forget to thank God for our Emory pediatric specialists and the scientists
who will find a cure in her lifetime."
For additional information regarding opportunities to give to Emory's Department of Pediatrics, please
contact the Director of Development, Paige Martin at 404.727.9346 or
paige.martin@emory.edu
