Connie & Don Smith. Photo provided by Toledo Blade. Used with permission
For 10 years now, Don Smith of Continental, Ohio has been in the giving life business. “What do you mean?” you may ask. It all started 10 years ago when he was swimming at the YMCA and he saw a brochure about childhood diabetes. As he was reading it he was challenged by his doctor, Joe Kraska (deceased), of Defiance. Joe said, “Don, I’ll give you $100 towards this Diabetes Youth Services if you swim 100 laps.”
Don took him up on the offer and the rest is history. He received several more donations for his first ‘fundraising’ event and he was able to give this money to the Diabetic Youth Services located in Maumee, Ohio.
DYS’ mission is “Teaching local children to manage their diabetes every day until there is a cure. Supporting families, preventing complications and improving lives.” It’s an organization for all of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan dedicated to showing young people how important it is to manage Type 1 Diabetes. They teach kids in fun and innovative ways such as at camp where they can reach challenging achievements and know how important setting goals is. DYS maintains its core programs, respond to emerging needs, and sustain services for the most significant impact on children with diabetes now and for their future. DYS has emerged as an effective organization serving 34 counties in Ohio and Michigan.
Don and his wife, Connie, didn’t really understand what they were raising funds for until they spent a week at the Little Shots camp as counsellors. A chord in his heart was struck as he watched these kids have to do so much more just to live. “We may not think about it in our day-to-day lives, but these kids do.” said Don. He sat down and talked with them and the other camp leaders. As he learned his passion grew for this mission. There is a lot of training to learn the health management that comes with this type of disease. Training the children young is by far the best method for a lifetime of success.
“I love to swim and I love this organization.” Don proclaimed. It was a natural fit when Dr. Joe put him up to this. It was meant to be when Don took on this mission to serve the children.
“No kid is turned away because the family cannot afford it.” He stated.
Four years ago the man who challenged him at the Y was given a challenge by Don, “If I swim 300 laps will you donate $300.00?” Joe said “yes!” Every year it has grown and of 2013 his annual swimming event has raised over $100,000 for the DYS. Last year alone he fundraised $21,109.00. “My goal is to raise $25,000 and I need your help.” He has gone to untold number of events and meetings spreading the word, which is how the West Bend News found out when one of the attendees contacted us.
Don has received many awards for his work, including the 2010 Shaffer Award from Defiance College and the Community Volunteer Award in Toledo, the 2009 Teri Sowers Award and many others. He doesn’t do it for the awards, it’s for the children.
Through his life Don has worked for the Lima State Hospital, Paulding Mental Health, and the Putnam County Municipal Court Probation (which he started). This year on February 2nd Don turns 65 and is going stronger than ever.
This swimming event will take place on Saturday, February 8th, a week after his birthday at the Defiance YMCA. He will be doing 300 laps, just like he has for the past four years. You can figure out the distance yourself.
If you would like to help, contact Don at 419-596-4277 or mail him at 200 W. Grove St., Continental, OH 45831. You can also contact Diabetes Youth Services direct at 419-887-8739 or email info@dys4kids.org.
Why does Don Smith do this? “It’s the right thing to do.”
