DPA evolved based upon dreams coming true and I want to share with you why this is so important to me. As I teach your children I see many of you through the lobby window watching out for my own children. Especially Allie my oldest , 8 years old. My little dancer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 ½ years. A frightened mother with another baby due in 5 months I feared my life was at its worst. How could my perfect, healthy little miracle be so sick. So sick I can’t take it from her and doctors can’t cure her. I questioned my strength as a mother for a couple of days with six finger pokes and multiple insulin injections a day that I have to give my baby. Was happiness over for our perfect family?

My amazing little dancer answered that question with courage, strength and love. Her petite feet kept going like every other two year old we knew and then some. Our family battles this horrible unfair disease everyday. Diabetes never takes a break. Allie has to have six to eight finger pokes and at least four injections a day. My goal is not to scare you or alarm you. I just want to make you aware of this little girl who doesn’t let this disease stop her, life has no limits. My incredible daughter has taught me this and as mom and a teacher I want to pass it on to you and your children. I listened to my mom sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with Allie in the hospital. My mom told her there is a cure waiting over the rainbow and I believe it. As we perform this year, feel it believe it, it can come true.

I want to thank all of you for allowing to live my dream watching these children conquer fear, feel accomplishment and experience achievement. I dream for every child, person, and parent at DPA to share my fulfillment . As I watch a mom in the lobby ask Allie if she needs help checking her blood sugar my heart cries , but my face smiles. In the studio and on stage Diabetes is gone and those little feet are dancing strong. Thank you DPA families for your support through prayers and kindness that keeps our family strong on our journey for a cure. With your support diabetes won’t break us but only make this Duvall community stronger.

Allie’s Petite Feet Team would Like to invite you to join us for the 26th Annual Nordstrom Beat The Bridge Race to beat Diabetes.

Date: May 18th, Sunday

To register: www.beatthebridge.org

Meet: In front of UW stadium at the dog statue
Shirts: Our team shirts are available on line
Registration fee: $17

Our team is participating in the 4 family walk through the UW campus and meet at the finish line on the field for a team picture. This is a fun easy walk bring your strollers or joggers. If you are a runner go for the run, see you at the finish line. Face painting and fun activities follow the race. Hope to see you there. Thank you again for your support.

Warmly,

Rachel Blockhus and family
Duvall Performing Arts