Riley is from Jefferson City. She is 13.
Diagnosis: Type 1 Diabetes
Riley is basically completely independent with her care, including all pod and Dexcom site changes. She understands things she can and can’t eat, how to calculate carbs, and what to do when she’s sick. She always asks questions if she needs to. Riley was recently in the hospital, and because of the weather, it took Mom longer to get there. By the time she arrived, Riley had already become best friends with her nurse and was being all sassy, even though she was in DKA and not feeling well.
How amazing is Riley? She was able to get one of the type one Barbie’s when they were very hard to get. However, she chose to give it to a 6-year-old girl whose mom had been searching for one. We got a video of her opening it, and the little girl was so excited and happy, which made Riley feel good.
She doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up, but she is interested in learning how to code. She loves drawing, reading, and playing video games.
Riley was the 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child for MU Health Care’s Children’s Hospital!!!
Her parents are Caitlin Akin and Scott Akin