ATTLEBORO, R.I. – Students adn staff at Saint John The Evangelist Catholic School in Attleboro have rallied around seventh-grader Kailey Senn, raising nearly $4,700 for type 1 diabetes research thru an annual school-wide initiative.
Four years ago, then-7-year-old Kailey, recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, asked school leaders if her classmates could forgo uniforms for a day in exchange for donations to support research. The idea blossomed into a yearly “wear blue” day held each November for World Diabetes Day.
“It’s amazing that she can get up in front of a crowd and speak about something that can really be debilitating for some other people, but she’s a rockstar,” said school nurse Sarah Cambridge.
Kailey was diagnosed after a arduous period during the COVID-19 pandemic, when doctors initially attributed her illness to the virus. Her mother,Kimberly Senn,recalled a frightening time,stating,”She was basically on the verge of a coma,and as a mom,you know when something is wrong with your child.” Doctors at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence eventually identified the condition – a malfunctioning pancreas requiring insulin governance via a pump.
Each year, Kailey addresses the entire student body of approximately 250 students, sharing her experiences with diabetes. The school’s fundraising efforts benefit Breakthrough T1D, an organization dedicated to funding research for new therapies and treatments.
“My goal is $5,000!” Kailey stated.
Despite her diagnosis, Kailey remains active in sports, enjoying basketball, volleyball, surfing, and skiing. ”I still do everything else like everybody,” she said.
School officials praise Kailey’s resilience and determination. “She’s not the kid that crawls up in bed and says I can’t do this.She goes and does it,” said kimberly Senn. Principal Kathleen Jones added, “There’s there’s no doubt whatsoever that diabetes has made Kailey stronger.” Athletic Director Kris Carrier described her as “an extraordinary young lady.”
Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated two million Americans.
