Type 1 Foundation launches footballs to help raise funds for children’s care packs

Willow Micallef was just four when she was mere minutes away from going into a diabetic coma. Now, new footballs backed by Cats stars are helping kids like her.

Willow Micallef, 8, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2020. Picture: Brad Fleet

Hamlyn Heights’ Willow Micallef was just four when she was mere minutes away from going into a diabetic coma.

The now-eight-year-old was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in early 2020.

Her mum, Kim Micallef, said her Willow was drinking lots of water, going to the toilet frequently and lost weight.

“We thought she was drinking heaps of water because it was summer and it was hot,” she said.

“But she had low energy and was very lethargic so I ended up taking her to our GP.

“He sent us off to have some blood tests but when we went back the next day, he said we had to get her to the emergency department right away.”

When they got to the hospital, nurses told Mrs Micallef that Willow was minutes away from going into a diabetic coma, which is caused by extremely high blood glucose levels and severe dehydration.

Willow’s blood sugar level was 30, while the average person’s is between four and six.

“Her body wasn’t able to process the sugar from the foods she was eating because her pancreas wasn’t working,” Mrs Micallef said.

“They got her on a drip to slowly flush the sugar out.

“It was seven hours in emergency, seven days in hospital and a crash course on how to give a toddler an injection every time she eats.”

At the time, the family did not understand what type 1 diabetes was and thought there was no history of diabetes in their family.

But in December last year, Willow’s dad, Luke Micallef, was also diagnosed with the condition.

Mrs Micallef said it was “very overwhelming” when Willow was first diagnosed.

“It was lucky she was diagnosed when she was four because she doesn’t know life without diabetes and having regular insulin injections,” she said.

Willow, who is in grade 2 at St Robert’s Primary School, is also helping to normalise type 1 diabetes among her classmates.

Willow Micallef with Geelong Cats players Gary Rohan and Mitch Duncan. Picture: Brad Fleet

“From prep, she has always had her injections in the classroom,” Mrs Micallef said.

“At first, the kids asked a lot of questions … but now they keep an eye out for Willow in case her blood sugar gets low.

Mrs Micallef said diabetes was “challenging” as it never takes a rest day.

“It comes on holidays with us and it’s there on Christmas Day,” she said.

“Willow can still do all the things she wants to do and we work her diabetes around her lifestyle.”

When Willow was first diagnosed, the family was connected to Geelong-based organisation, the Type 1 Foundation.

“When we got home from hospital, there was a care pack at our front door with jelly beans, a plush toy and diabetics information and books for us,” Mrs Micallef said.

The foundation is now selling AFL footballs, with proceeds raised helping to fund more care packs for children and their families.

“Willow knows how special it was to receive a care pack, so she wants to help make them for other kids that need it when their first diagnosed,” Mrs Micallef said.

The footballs are available to be purchased at www.type1foundation.com.au/shop.

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Type 1 Foundation launches footballs to help raise funds for children’s care packs