CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A Southwest Florida family is coping with the loss of their 9-month-old son.
On Sunday, the family hosted a community car wash to raise funds for funeral expenses.
The family tells Fox 4 they are now working to spread awareness on Type 1 diabetes.
On February 12th, 9-month-old Jiraiya Marin, was found unresponsive.
He was rushed to the Gulf Coast Medical Center, where doctors tried to resuscitate him.
Tests show the infant went into diabetic shock.
"Everything was normal we had no clue, he was happy he was fun he was loving he was cheerful, brightened everyone's day didn't matter who it was," said the child's mother, Kristen Dunkle.
Sunday's car wash in Cape Coral worked to raise money not just for funeral expenses but also to spread awareness.
According to HealthyChildren.org type, one diabetes is a rare disease, affecting 1 in 400 children.
"Just get your kids tested for diabetes, even though they are still young, you never know," said Crystal Crews.
"You never know, from month to month, when a child has a disease because it develops so quickly," said Michelle Austerman. The child's mother warns parents to be vigilant of these signs.
"Be aware of your child is more thirsty if he's angry... its signs of off-blood sugar," said Kristen Dunkle.
The family says they are still working on funeral arrangements.
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