FORTY FORT, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Although fall hasn’t officially started, the Halloween season has already begun at Edward’s Garden Center.
Opening two weeks earlier than usual, their “kiddie playland” raises funds for Type One Diabetes Research, a cause near and dear to the heart of Ed Kopec, president of Edward’s Garden Center.
“The first year, we might have raised a few thousand dollars, the second year we raised about $9,000 and last year we raised $18,000,” he said.
Type One Diabetes is an autoimmune condition that impacts the pancreas’ ability to make insulin. As a result, a Type One Diabetic must inject insulin and consistently monitor blood sugar levels
Kopec’s son, Jim, was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at age 12, and his grandson was diagnosed at age three.
Since Jim’s diagnosis, a variety of advancements have been made through diabetes management technology, advancements his wife Trudi Kopec has experienced while with him.
“I’ve seen advances in his [insulin] pump, his CGM and his glucagon, now you can inhale it instead of injecting it. So, I’ve seen so many advancements in the past ten years,” said Trudi Kopec.
These advancements can be attributed to research, speaking the Garden Center’s fundraiser.
All entrance fees for the playland are donated to Breakthrough Type One Diabetes, a non-profit dedicated to researching a cure for Type One Diabetes, while improving the lives of those affected.
“I think it’s a very curable disease, I think it’s very curable. I think there’s a lot of medical advancements that could be made and you just need the money to do it,” said Trudi Kopec.
This year, the fundraising goal is $25,000.
“It’s a more serious disease than people think. It’s very different than Type Two, it’s not the same thing,” said Trudi Kopec.
When entering the garden center, visitors will see an arch of pumpkins, inviting them into the playland.
Inside the decorated greenhouses, a mini-corn maze and corn pit can be found inside, with a ball pit and slides greeting them at the exit to the maze.
Staff say it takes three weeks to set up the playland, and they have already seen hundreds of families during their first weekend open.
Kiddie Playland is open every day during business hours, with food trucks and face paint also offered on the weekends.
Admission is $10 per child, and all entrance fees are donated to Breakthrough T1D.
T-shirts with “Blossom” the Edward’s Garden Center mascot are also being sold, with a portion of the sale benefitting Type One Diabetes research.
To order a shirt, click here.
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