Ten years ago, our lives changed forever.
At just four years old, our daughter Evie was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. At the time, I was 34 weeks pregnant with our third baby, caring for a two-year-old at home, and suddenly thrown into a world that felt overwhelming, scary, and completely unfamiliar.
We spent three days at Children’s Mercy Kansas City on Floor 6 Henson, and although it was one of the hardest seasons our family has ever walked through, it’s also where we experienced some of the greatest compassion, care, and support we couldn't have imagined.
The nurses at Children’s Mercy were absolutely incredible. They cared for Evie with so much kindness and patience during such a confusing and emotional time. The endocrinologists, diabetes educators, and doctors walked us through every single step of what life with Type 1 Diabetes would now look like.
Those three days changed our lives.
My husband was working at the firehouse at the time, but he came to the hospital whenever he could so we could learn together how to care for Evie. We learned how to check blood sugars, count carbs, give insulin, recognize highs and lows, and navigate life with Type 1 Diabetes as parents.
And honestly? We were terrified.
But the team at Children’s Mercy gave us confidence, education, support, and hope.
That is why Children’s Mercy will always hold such a special place in our hearts.
Three years later, our third child was also diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We are now 10 years into this journey, and while we have learned so much, the reality is that this disease is exhausting in ways most people never fully see. Every single day is filled with constant decision making monitoring blood sugars, counting carbs, treating highs and lows, adjusting insulin, managing doctor appointments, fighting insurance battles, and doing everything possible to keep our children safe. The sleepless nights are endless, waking up to alarms, checking blood sugars in the middle of the night, and carrying the weight of knowing there is never truly a break from Type 1. It’s a full-time job layered on top of parenting, work, and everyday life. But through it all, we are incredibly grateful for the doctors, nurses, educators, and support systems that have helped carry us through the hardest moments.
Our family knows firsthand the strength these kids carry every single day.
That’s exactly why this year’s Make a Difference May collection is so personal to me.
This year’s Make a Difference May collection was designed around words we constantly speak over our children:
Brave. Strong. Kind. Smart. Loved. Courageous.
As moms of medical children know, our kids go through so much. Doctor appointments, blood sugar checks, insulin changes, sleepless nights, and moments where they simply need encouragement and reminders of how amazing they truly are.
This special positive affirmation fabric is filled with stars, uplifting words, and reminders that our children are capable of hard things.
Every single handmade piece in this collection was created with love right here at Evie Pearl Handmade.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAY COLLECTION
Inside the collection you’ll find:
- Handmade knotted headbands
- Twisted turbans
- Baby bow turbans
- Handmade hair bows
- Scrunchies
- Nurse headbands
- Positive affirmation accessories
- Nurse lanyards
- Kansas City handmade accessories
- Gifts for nurses
- Gifts for Type 1 Diabetes families
- Positive affirmation gifts for girls
Supporting Nurses & Healthcare Heroes Here
Part of this collection was also designed specifically with nurses in mind.
During our stay at Children’s Mercy, the nurses made such an impact on our family. Their encouragement, compassion, and patience during one of the hardest moments of our lives is something I will never forget.
That’s why this collection also includes nurse-inspired handmade headbands, positive affirmation accessories, and nurse lanyards.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your favorite nurse, a Type 1 Diabetes warrior, or simply someone who needs encouragement, this collection was designed to spread positivity and give back at the same time.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAY COLLECTION
Giving Back to Children’s Mercy Kansas City
Throughout the entire month of May, 10% of proceeds from our Make a Difference May collection will be donated directly back to the Endocrinology Unit at Children’s Mercy Kansas City.
This means every purchase helps support children and families walking through Type 1 Diabetes journeys just like ours.
As a small handmade business owner and Type 1 Diabetes mom, this campaign means more to me than words can express.
Children’s Mercy helped our family during one of our darkest and most overwhelming seasons. Supporting them now, ten years later, feels incredibly full circle.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAY COLLECTION
Thank You For Supporting Small Business & Giving Back
When you shop small with Evie Pearl Handmade, you’re supporting more than just handmade hair accessories.
You’re supporting:
- A mom-owned small business
- A Type 1 Diabetes family
- Handmade products made with purpose
- Children’s Mercy Kansas City
- Positive affirmations for kids
- Encouragement for medical families
- Nurses who care for children every single day
Thank you for being part of this mission with us.
Your support truly means the world to our family.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAY COLLECTION
