Educator balances work, caring for child with diabetes

Athens Daily Review - 8/16/2018

Aug. 16--Erika Zeller not only works full-time as the a counselor at Mabank High School, she is the mother of two active children and the publisher of the Macaroni Kid website for Athens and other areas.

When she isn't at work, she is busy taking care of her 4-year old daughter, Clarice, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 2 years old, and her 18-month-old, son Carson.

"We are new to the area," Zeller said. "I had to train the teacher at her school how to take care of her. It's pretty stressful. They are doing a great job, but there is a learning curve. It's important her caregivers know her basic needs."

Decades ago, Type 1 diabetes in children was known as juvenile diabetes. For people with the condition, their bodies do not produce insulin.

"The body breaks down the sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar called glucose, which it uses for energy," according to the American Diabetes Association. "Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives."

The ADA website shows that only 5 percent of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. Those with the condition must monitor their blood glucose levels, administer insulins, develop healthy meal plans and work closely with doctors.

And children with Type 1 diabetes require constant care. And for those who aren't familiar with the condition, they must be trained on how to properly care for them at school, such as giving insulin injections, counting carbohydrates and monitoring blood sugar.

"We moved here on June 29," Zeller said. "I didn't know anyone. I am hoping this website puts me in touch with other mothers and I get to know the community."

She and her husband, Aaron, work in the education field.

"I heard about this from a friend in Athens, Ga.," Zeller said. "I asked her to help me become involved, and here I am."

According to its website, Macaroni Kid was created to connect communities with libraries, schools, recreation centers, community centers and organizations and businesses that create programming and fun for kids and families in their own local areas.

The publishers of the Macaroni Kid websites are parents who live, work and play in their communities. The parents connect with other parents and let them know about the website. The publishers connect with parents online and off the Web.

"Macaroni Kids publishes a weekly local e-newsletter and websites featuring events, activities, products and places for moms, kids and families," Zeller said. "We host local events and parties and connect with the community through social media channels."

Erika has written articles such as how to avoid mosquito bites and thinking about getting your child's ears pierced, and 10 books to ease back-to-school fears and cyberbulling.

Zeller said she and her children have gone park-hopping.

"We have visited as many parks as we could, including the Athens Splash Pad. We have also visited the libraries."

Macaroni Kid publishes national editions focused on special interests such as Macaroni Kid Family Travel, family wellness, food and safety.

"When things settle down, I can concentrate on the Macaroni Kid website."

Visit athenstx.Macaronikid.com to subscribe to free e-mail notifications.

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