The Tech Teaches More - January 2011

By Therena Morrill

Members of the Health Occupations Student Organization at Uintah Basin Applied Technology College have been busy the past several weeks raising money for the National Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Most recently, HOSA students decorated and donated a Dr. Seuss-themed Christmas tree to the Trees for Charity event in Vernal. The tree was auctioned off for $575.

"One-hundred percent of that will go into our UBATC HOSA fund for juvenile diabetes research," said Kari Stanley, UBATC medical instructor and HOSA sponsor.

"We are very excited to be partnered up with JDRF this year," Stanley said. "Our goal is to raise $1,000 to $3,000 by March 1."

In November HOSA sponsored a fundraising lunch at the college. Food was donated by students and local merchants; a $5 donation to JDRF bought a bowl of soup, a roll and dessert.

HOSA is also planning an indoor yard sale to be held sometime in January at UBATC's Roosevelt campus. Anyone interested in acquiring space to sell their crafts and wares may contact Stanley for more information after school resumes in January, following the Christmas break.

Juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys certain cells in the pancreas known as beta cells. The beta cells are responsible for producing insulin. When these cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body move the glucose contained in food into cells throughout the body, which use it for energy.

People with juvenile diabetes must take insulin in order to stay alive. This means undergoing multiple injections daily or having insulin delivered through an insulin pump. It also means pricking their fingers six or more times every day to monitor their blood sugar levels.

"Many of our youth in the Uintah Basin are afflicted with juvenile diabetes," Stanley said. "I know that with the economy being in such dire straits right now, it is difficult to bring yourself to give to charity, but our youth are our future, so please help support UBATC HOSA in their efforts to make a difference."

To make a donation to HOSA for their fight against juvenile diabetes, call UBATC at 435-722-6900 in Roosevelt or 435-725-7100 in Vernal.