Heroes In The Making: Charlie and Jack Postlewaite

Brothers Charlie and Jack Postlewaite don’t lead a similar lifestyle as most other kids their age. Charlie, 10, and Jack, 5, were both diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes early in life and go through 10-15 blood sugar checks each day to maintain their proper insulin levels.
On Tuesday at Target Center, the Lakeville natives were honored for their courageous battles against Diabetes. And by the ear-to-ear smiles on their faces, the excitement they felt front and center on the Timberwolves’ court was in plain sight for the sold out crowd.
“They were asking if they were going to be famous, and they were asking really cute questions,” said their dad, Phil. “It’s been really cute, and it’s been really fun spending time with them and our family and friends who are here tonight.”
As part of WolvesCare Month presented by C.H. Robinson Worldwide, the FastBreak Foundation is focusing its attention on the Wolves’ toughest fans in January—children with life-threatening or long-term illnesses. During eight games this month, the Timberwolves will honor children like Jack and Charlie as “Heroes In The Making” with an in-game ceremony at center court, team memorabilia and a chance to watch a Timberwolves game from a Target Center suite.
The Postlewaites had a group of 19 family and friends on hand for the event.
Jack and Charlie were joined by Timberwolves Community Relations Representative Matt Makovec and C.H. Robinson Worldwide Customs Brokerage Specialist Kim Farniok at center court, where each was given an autographed ball and a Kevin Love jersey.
The brothers quickly made use of the ball, bouncing it all the way back up to their suite. Charlie said getting the basketball was the best part of the night.
“It’s just an honor for them, because they go through so much with all the blood sugar checks daily and just everything they have to think about all day long,” said their mom, Kathy. “Their lives aren’t as normal and free as the typical kid, so it’s great to see them recognized for this.”
The Postlewaites are very active in raising money for curing Diabetes. Just months after Jack was diagnosed at 16 months old, the family began walking in the Twin Cities Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s “Walk To Cure” at the Mall of America. They've done it every year since.
The Postlewaites participate under the name “Double Trouble,” and they are part of approximately 15,000 people who walk each year, Kathy said. This year’s event will take place on Feb. 25.
“Everyone has a common goal to find a cure for Type 1, and going together, walking together, is a great experience,” Kathy said.
Tuesday’s game was another chance for the Postlewaites to raise awareness for Type 1 Diabetes, and it gave their kids a chance to experience a thrill of a lifetime.
And in the process, the Wolves gained a pair of young fans.
“I think this is going to be the springboard,” Phil said, smiling. “We’ll be able to flip through the channels and show these guys the players out there and say, ‘You were out there; these are the guys you were out there with live and in person.’ I think this will start it out.”
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