12-Year-Old’s Annual ‘Dress Down Day’ Raises Thousands for Type 1 Diabetes Research
A remarkable fundraising effort led by a middle school student in Attleboro, Massachusetts, is bringing hope to the fight against Type 1 diabetes. Kailey Senn, 12, has spearheaded an annual school-wide initiative that has already generated nearly $5,000 for research and advocacy.
Kailey’s story began when she was critically ill at age 7.Initially, doctors attributed her condition to a COVID-19 infection during the height of the pandemic. Though, her parents, Kimberly and David Senn, persistently sought answers, leading to a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at Hasbro children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.
“She was basically on the verge of a coma, and as a mom, you know when something is wrong with your child,” Kimberly Senn stated. Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated two million Americans,requiring individuals to manage blood sugar levels through insulin injections or pumps. Kailey now uses an insulin pump to regulate her condition.
Four years ago, while attending Saint John The Evangelist Catholic school, Kailey conceived of a “dress-down day” fundraiser. Students could donate a small amount to wear casual clothes instead of their uniforms, and were encouraged to wear blue in recognition of World Diabetes Day in November.The school readily supported the idea, and it has become an annual tradition.
Each year, the school gymnasium transforms into a “sea of blue” during morning prayer, and Kailey delivers a speech to educate her classmates about Type 1 diabetes. School nurse Sarah Cambridge praised Kailey’s courage,saying,”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.”
Why did Kailey start the fundraiser? Kailey initiated the “dress-down day” to raise awareness and funds for type 1 diabetes research after her own diagnosis at age 7. Who is involved? Kailey Senn, 12, leads the effort, with support from her family, Saint John The Evangelist Catholic School, and the organization Breakthrough T1D. What is the fundraiser? It’s an annual school-wide “dress-down day” where students donate to wear casual clothes and show support for World Diabetes Day. How did it end? As of this report, Kailey’s initiative has raised approximately $4,700 for Breakthrough T1D and she is aiming to reach $5,000 this year.
To date, Kailey’s efforts have raised around $4,700 for Breakthrough T1D, a leading organization dedicated to funding research for new therapies and treatments. Kailey remains active in academics and athletics, participating in basketball, volleyball, surfing, and skiing.
“I still do everything else like everybody,” Kailey said, demonstrating a remarkable spirit.Kris Carrier, the school’s Athletic Director, added, “It hasn’t stopped her one bit. She’s an impressive young lady.” Kailey’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of one young person to make a notable difference in the lives of others.
Kailey’s story serves
