WEBER COUNTY, Utah – A sophomore at Weber High School received a truck for his sixteenth birthday, but it’s more than just a means of transportation: It’s a vehicle for promoting awareness around an important medical issue.
Jaxson Farr has Type 1 diabetes, and the moment he was diagnosed his life changed.
“Type 1 diabetes is tough,” he said. “It takes a certain person to have it. I have to prick my finger and give myself a shot at least five times a day, every day, for the rest of my life."
Jaxson said his condition affects his loved ones as well.
“As a parent, it's concerning knowing your child could go into a coma or have seizures if he goes too high,” Jaxson's father, Jeff, said.
About a year ago, Jaxson and his father decided to restore a 1966 Ford F-100 and decorate it to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes. Later, they surprised Jaxson with the finished product.
"Jaxson thinks that the truck is still in the shop, and we're waiting for more money to get it done, about two months ago we decided to go a little behind Jay's back and wanted to give this to him as a surprise on his birthday,” Jeff Farr said.
See the video above for footage of big reveal and Jaxson's delighted expression of surprise.
The teen has some big ambitions for the vehicle.
“I want to take it across the U.S. and just take it on parades, and go to hospitals, and just educate people about what diabetes is, and just raise awareness,” Jaxson said.
The family is already taking steps in that direction.
“We've got three of four different car shows that we're gonna do, we're gonna have some parades, we're gonna get into some parades," Jeff Farr said. "Hopefully we can shuttle a veteran or something in it, and just really spread the word."
But, for now, Jaxson is enjoying being a 16 year old who just got his first car.
“Thanks Dad, it means a lot, and today's just a day that I’m going to remember the rest of my life,” he said.
Jaxson is hoping to build another show truck in time for next year's diabetes awareness month, which will be in November. He is looking for individuals or companies who would like to be a part of it.
If you'd like to help, you can visit the truck’s Facebook page or email them at T1dtruck@gmail.com.
