Bailey's Story
 Bailey Wills was born January 26, 2000. Bailey was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes when he was only 10 months old. This was a difficult time for the entire family. We all had to quickly learn how to keep Bailey's blood sugar under control with constant finger pokes and insulin shots.
When Bailey was 3 years old, he was put on an insulin pump, which made his diabetes easier to manage. He became frightened, however, each time the infusion set needed to be changed, every 2-3 days. After 9 years, it has become less traumatic.
In October 2006, he was put on a continuous glucose monitor. Now he wears two separate devices to assist in his care. Because he is in school for 6 hours each day, Bailey has had to learn to take care of the majority of tasks; checking his blood sugar, pushing the buttons on his pump indicating the number of carbohydrates contained in the food he eats, and understanding what the pump says when it alarms for a low or high blood sugar.
He has learned to listen to his body when he feels "low", and will let someone know. His close friends, even though very young, are aware that he isn't kidding when he says he feels "wobbly", and needs juice or something, and he needs it right away.
.jpg) Bailey is an active JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Youth Ambassador, doing his part to promote diabetes awareness. He has appeared in four TV public service announcements, met with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris, and several local business leaders.
Bailey received a Chase Leadership Youth Award in 2006. Bailey has earned many awards for his fund-raising efforts benefiting the September Walk for a Cure. He and his family started Bailey's Brigade, dedicated to finding a cure.
The Bailey's Brigade Car Show has brought in a large portion of the money raised in the last two years for JDRF. At the Car Show, Bailey has met many people who have commented on his charisma and how good he made them feel. The generosity of those in attendance was totally due to Bailey. With Bailey leading the way, the family team raised over $15,000 last year.
He is an inspiration to everyone he meets, even though all these activities take a significant amount of time away from playing with his friends, he does it in the hope that a cure will be found soon, when he can be free of the devices now attached to his body.
Bailey is always willing to talk to people about diabetes and his daily routine. He was the "Cool Kid" in the Valley Voice section of the Spokesman-Review during National Diabetes Awareness month.
Until a cure is found, Bailey will continue to promote awareness. When Bailey was first diagnosed, the doctor said a cure was 10 years away. We are 2 years past realizing that dream.
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