Give Back, Game On, Change the Future!
Thank you for joining us as we embark on a virtual voyage unlike any other as we set sail for the captivating shores of Japan from the comfort of your own home! Join us on an immersive journey filled with the wonders of Japanese culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Be sure to follow us on social media for the full experience!
@SacExtraLife #SacELVirtualCruise
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the breathtaking island of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost frontier and a land of unparalleled beauty and adventure. As we embark on our journey through this enchanting island, prepare to be captivated by its rugged landscapes, vibrant culture, and bountiful culinary delights. From snow-capped mountains and pristine forests to charming rural villages and bustling cities, Hokkaido offers a diverse tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered. So, sit back, relax, and let the wonders of Hokkaido unfold before you as we delve into this extraordinary destination. Welcome to the land of endless discovery. Welcome to Hokkaido.
This week's puzzle is called Slitherlink or Sli-Lin in Japan.
How to Play:
Connect adjacent dots with vertical or horizontal lines to make a single loop.
The numbers indicate how many lines surround it, while empty cells may be surrounded by any number of lines.
The loop never crosses itself and never branches off.
Now it is your turn! Give this one a try:
Eric and Elena Ramirez
It was December 2022 and Erik and Wendi Ramirez and their two daughters, Emma and Elena, were traveling from Corning to Chico to celebrate Emma’s 7th birthday. Their daughter, Elena, who was 9 at the time, needed frequent bathroom breaks. It was unlike her, and the past few days, Erik and Wendi had also noticed changes in Elena’s behavior. She was lethargic and had no interest in watching soccer, her favorite sport. Both were concerned. A type 1 diabetic himself, Erik knew the signs, which often start suddenly.
When the family arrived at the emergency room, Elena’s blood sugar was 400+, well above normal levels. The team there felt it was best for the family to go to UC Davis Children’s Hospital, where pediatric endocrinology specialists could provide treatment.
Elena spent three days in the hospital, where she and her family learned about her condition. “I had this [medical] bracelet on that had diabetes written on it. I said to my dad that I couldn’t believe it,” Elena said. “But since my dad has it, too, I felt I wasn’t alone.”
Not only does Elena have her dad to help her through her new diagnosis, she has the same care team helping to manage her diabetes. “When I met Elena and Erik, I realized I had been Erik's diabetes nurse years ago,” said pediatric endocrinology nurse, Sultanna Iden. “I remember taking care of him with Dr. Styne and it was so great to see him as an adult raising a family of his own.”
“When Elena was diagnosed she was quite sad,” remembers Iden. “At her last visit she was smiling and joking with dad, saying he was her rock. It was so nice to see daughter and dad being just daughter and dad, realizing that diabetes doesn't need to get in the way of their lives.”
“She’s really strong and I’m going to help her handle this,” Erik said of Elena, now 10. “She’s my dia-buddy and together, we’re going to make every day better and better.”
Wendi is grateful that UC Davis Children’s Hospital could help her daughter like they had helped her husband so many years before.
"Everyone has been so great,” Wendi said. “They really know how to take care of your child. Trust them.”
