A local family is reaching out to the community for help after their 5-year-old son, Boden, was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The diagnosis has changed daily life for the whole family, and now they're raising money to get Boden a service dog that could help keep him safe.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It stops the body from making insulin, a hormone people need to survive. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, it can't be prevented, cured, or reversed.

For Boden, that means constant blood sugar checks, several insulin doses a day, carb counting, finger sticks, and sensor changes. His family also lives with the ongoing worry of dangerous blood sugar highs and lows.

Blood sugar levels can shift fast, especially while kids are sleeping, playing, or just going about their day. A severe low can turn into a medical emergency within minutes.

That's why Boden's family is raising funds for a diabetic alert service dog. These dogs are trained to sense changes in blood sugar levels, often before a glucose monitor or any symptoms show up.

A diabetic alert dog can warn caregivers of dangerous highs and lows. It can even wake a sleeping child during a nighttime emergency. For a family living with Type 1 Diabetes, that kind of early warning can be life-saving.

Beyond safety, these dogs also give kids more independence and confidence as they grow up managing the disease. They offer peace of mind during school days, playdates, bedtime, and everything in between.

The catch is the cost. Diabetic alert service dogs often run into the tens of thousands of dollars, and insurance doesn't cover them. It's a heavy financial lift for any family.

Boden's family is asking the community for help giving him the chance to have a service dog by his side. Every donation, big or small, brings them one step closer to giving Boden extra protection and independence.

If you're not able to donate, sharing Boden's story still helps. The family says support, prayers, and encouragement mean more than words can express.