Not many kids can say they have an army behind them, but 12-year-old Voorhees resident Andrew Stocklin can.
At age 6, Andrew was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and in the years since, his family, friends and neighbors have gone above and beyond to let him know he’s not alone.
“Andrew’s Army” is the name of the group started by Andrew’s father, Michael, comprised of those close to Andrew who wanted to support him and the search for a cure to diabetes through walks with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Stocklin said the group started after his family was going through some financial struggles caring for Andrew, and friends and family stepped up to do what they could.
“We were going through some financial struggles with his care and trying to understand what we needed, what was best for him, and our friends really rallied around us and said ‘we’ll help you any way we can,’” Stocklin said.
Stocklin said those who helped wanted to keep helping and supporting the fight for a cure, so Andrew’s Army was born as a way to do so.
The group also helps spread the message of the JDRF, the large non-profit organization for Type 1 diabetes research that Stocklin and his family support.
Eventually, Stocklin started an Andrew’s Army website, www.fightT1D.org, so those who wanted to help Andrew could see what was going on in his life, which lead to Twitter, Facebook and a number of social media outlets.
“One of the things when you’re first diagnosed is people really don’t know that many details about it and the impact it has on the family, and JDRF really wants you to put yourself out there for fundraising efforts,” Stocklin said. “Put a little video together, put a little email together that says this is what we’re going through if you want to support the research.”
On the Andrew’s Army website and social media pages, supporters can learn about Andrew’s life with diabetes and support his medical needs through purchasing Andrew’s Army items such as green (Andrew’s favorite color) t-shirts with eagles (Andrew’s favorite animal) printed on them.
Stocklin said while the group has provided financial support for Andrew, the biggest impact it’s had on his life was emotional.
During one fundraising walk, more than 80 people showed their support for Andrew by wearing their green Andrew’s Army t-shirts, which Stocklin said really showed Andrew just how many people love and support him.
“He said ‘all these people are for me?’ and I took him aside and said ‘all these people love and support you and this is amazing,’” Stocklin said.
“It chokes me up just thinking about it.”
Stocklin said that support is also important for Andrew because he doesn’t know of any Voorhees outlet for those with Type 1 diabetes to come together.
“I think that the biggest impact is that he knows that he’s not alone,” Stocklin said. “We would love to see more people be able to be in contact in our area, specifically that have Type 1 diabetes.”
After having participated in several walks for JDRF, Stocklin and his family decided it was time for the challenge of a run.
Stocklin is raising funds to run a half-marathon on team JDRF during the Walt Disney World Marathon in January.
Stocklin’s wife Brenda will also be participating in a run, along with Andrew, and his three younger brothers.
Stocklin has raised a little more than $800 of a $2,500 goal, and those looking to donate can visit www.fightT1D.org and follow the link to his team JDRF page.
Stocklin said support during endeavors such as this always help keep Andrew excited to fight on and someday be a part of a cure for diabetes.
“That’s an encouragement to feel that you’re not an island,” he said.
