Supporting Levi’s Journey with Type 1 Diabetes

If you know our VP of Sales & Marketing, Greg Walters, and his wife Teresa, you know there aren’t many titles they take more seriously than Papa Greg and Teeta. And right now, their six year old grandson Levi could use a little help from the Winchester community.

Levi was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. That’s a life-changing diagnosis Greg and Teresa know all too well, as one of their own sons also lives with the disease. Wanting to support Levi and his parents through this new journey, they began raising funds for a diabetic alert dog. And, as our team has learned over the last few weeks, these aren’t exactly your average good boys.

With a very important job on the line, training for these pups starts at just 16 weeks old. First, the dog has to pass a series of tests to make sure it has what it takes. Then comes roughly nine months of obedience, public-access, socialization and specialized scent training to recognize changes in Levi’s blood sugar. They will alert to a rising and falling blood sugar level of 30-40 points, a high of 180+ and a low and 80 and below.

After all that?

The dog still has to pass the Levi test. The organization and trainers the family has chosen will get to know Levi and his family – their routines, personalities, lifestyle – to find just the right match: a dog with the energy to keep up with a busy kid, be by his side through all of life’s adventures, and grow right alongside him.

Greg, Teresa, and Levi’s parents have been deeply touched by the support that’s gotten them this far, and now we’re hoping the Winchester community can help keep that momentum going and get Levi one step closer to meeting his new best friend.

However you are able to support Levi, whether it’s through a donation, a social share, or simply cheering him on, we’re incredible grateful for every person supporting Levi and his journey with Type 1 Diabetes.