Burroughs Senior Is Spokesman And Proponent For Juvenile Diabetes

On April 2, a national touring company of “Bring It On-The Musical” will perform on stage cabaret-style for JDRF, a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.

One person who will be front and center at the mid-town Sheldon Concert Hall is one of its most ardent supporters, 18-year-old Turner Rapp, resident of Ladue and a John Burroughs School senior.

Seems Rapp knows a thing or two about juvenile diabetes. He was was diagnosed with TID (insulin-dependent diabetes) at age 10 while attending Rossman School. TID is a lifetime affliction, but can be kept well under control with good management. He is one of six students at Burroughs diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.

Those with diabetes are strongly urged to avoid obesity and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. In steps Turner Rapp.

At a body slim 5-foot 10, 150 pounds, the senior is an all-around Bombers athlete. He runs both track and cross country and is an ice hockey body cruncher and a golfer.

“When I’m on the bench (in hockey) between shifts, I check my sugar levels." He makes sure he has enough energy producing sugar drinks or snacks to get by.

As a volunteer for JDRF, he participates annually, along with other family members, in the 100-mile bike ride.

In the Rapp family, everyone rides bikes: dad Derek, mom Emily and older sister Helen.

Typically, a diabetic biker needs to take in approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates every 45 minutes of activity. “It’s kind of a trial and error kind of thing. You have to figure out how your body works,” said the 18-year-old.

When he’s running, he has to look out for any sudden adrenalin rush. “If your blood is pumping too much, your legs feel very heavy before the race even begins,” he said.

Rapp has been under the care of endocrinologist and family friend Dr. Myrto Frangos since discovering diabetes. “Sometimes, when you have this, you are very cranky and irritable.” Rapp has been administering his own shots since age 10.

Rapp does other things. He serves on a children’s congress to educate legislators. He’s met previously with Missouri Sens. Kit Bond and Claire McCaskill to discuss these issues.

One of the things he particularly enjoys is baby-sitting young children with juvenile diabetes. He relates to their plight and parents enjoy having that kind of coverage and comfort.

“Bring It On-The Musical”

Mark your calendars for April 2, 7 p.m., at the Sheldon Concert Hall. That’s the only night theaters are dark around the country.

Local phenom Taylor Louderman of Bourbon, MO, and 2009 graduate of Sullivan High School leads this high-energy rah-rah cheerleader production. Turns out Taylor’s sister Madison, 8, was recently diagnosed with Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes. Louderman has performed in numerous Muny Opera productions and was a student at the University of Michigan for a year and a half before joining the traveling troupe.

Tickets are in all price ranges, $15, $60 and $100. The $100 tickets include cast party and dessert reception.

Call Rich Krechel, executive producer for ticket information, 314-729-1846; www.jdrfstl.org/bringonthecure.