Jade,12, wrote a book that is helping other kids with diabetes AND raising lots of money for diabetes research

Meet Jade: 12-year-old Author with Diabetes Jade Gamber, age 12, wrote her first book, I've Got A Secret, when she was just 9.  Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on June 1, 2000, Jade recorded her feelings and experiences in a journal.  She took photographs, drew pictures, and wrote down her thoughts, hoping her efforts would some day help other kids with diabetes—and they have. 

I've Got A Secret is the inspiring story of Jade's journey from a young girl terrified of needles to someone who injects herself with insulin every day and lives her life to the fullest. She writes about being diagnosed, going to the hospital, and learning to treat her diabetes—but, she also includes the fun stuff, like a family vacation to Jamaica a month after she was diagnosed. The book is about being a kid with diabetes, but being a kid first. Jade's friends even got to do some of the drawings in the book. 

At first, Jade didn't think she wanted anyone to know about her diabetes, but then she learned that telling her story could make a difference for others. "Some of it is personal and a little embarrassing," says Jade, "but I know it will help other kids who have diabetes and feel scared."

Jade's parents, Julie and Jim Gamber, are very proud of their daughter's success. Jade's book has been a source of encouragement to many newly diagnosed kids and families in hospitals around the country. Another wonderful thing that has come from the book is lots of money for diabetes research to find a cure. JDRF has received $20,000 since the book was published-$10,000 from sales of the book, and another $10,000 donation from the company Jade's dad works for, GlaxoSmithKline. 

These days, Jade is on the insulin pump and is actually working on her second book, I've Got Another Secret, which is about being a teenager with diabetes, and how the pump has made Jade's life easier. 

To order I've Got a Secret by Jade Elizabeth Gamber, send an e-mail to the Gambers at jgamber098@comcast.net. The cost is $5.95 plus shipping and handling.