Mighty Mia Fundraiser

Mia Richardson and family outside of Canadian Tire this past weekend

Mia is an adorable six-year-old, but she is also a incredibly brave little girl. At 10-months-old, she was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes. To date, Mia has endured over 7,000 injections and over 14,000 finer pokes, which is a lot to endure. For Mia her diabetes is controlled with insulin, diet and exercise.

On Saturday, in front of Fort Saskatchewan Canadian Tire, Mia’s mom, dad, sister, aunt, and cousins were holding their fifth barbecue fundraiser for type 1 diabetes. This team, who is greatly headed by Mia’s cousin Sarah Prins, consists of 40 others who together have raised over $100,000 in the past six years for type 1 diabetes research. “The majority of the money raised goes to type 1 diabetes research… this is why we chose to donate as it focuses on finding a cure,” explained Mia’s Mom, Tania Richardson.

The team is very appreciative for the support of Canadian Tire and the sponsors for the raffle draws, which included the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre, Ric’s Grill, Blu Poppie, Winners Way, Boston Pizza, VCM Products and Creative Memories.

For Mia, it is an important day because every donation gives diabetes research a better chance of finding a cure for her and others like her.

Statistics reveal that over three million people have diabetes in Canada, while over 300,000 have type 1. Interestingly, on a world scale, Canada has the sixth highest incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in children fourteen-years-of-age or younger. Sadly, type 1 diabetes is a leading cause of life threatening and debilitating complications, which can include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and even amputation. There is never a time when diabetes care should be ignored, it demands constant vigilance to manage.

On June 12, the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation is having a walk across Canada; locally, the walk will be at Edmonton Garrison starting at 10 am.

For Mia, she will continue to enjoy her dancing, playing sports, playing the piano and sometimes just spending time outside while she and her parents take the best care of her health possible.