Boy Meets Teen Idol, Partner in Diabetes Battle

A photograph, an autograph, maybe even – omg! – a hug.

Those likely topped the wish list for the lucky few who got to meet the Jonas Brothers Friday before the first of their two concerts at Rosemont’s Allstate Arena.

But what Ricky Hucker really wanted was to show Nick Jonas his insulin pump.

This isn’t mere teen idol worship for the precocious 4-year-old from Barrington. Ricky feels a kinship with the youngest Jonas because both have Type I diabetes. Ricky almost seems to enjoy the fact the two have that in common.

His father, Rick, won four tickets and the chance to meet the band in an online auction benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Afterward, Rick said all the Jonas Brothers were “very nice.” And sure enough, Nick proved especially attentive upon learning of Ricky’s diabetes, kneeling to talk to him and pose for an extra photo.

Nick’s positive influence on kids with diabetes “has been huge,” said the foundations’ Jill Gonyea. “The fact that he’s been open about it makes it so much easier for kids to be open about it when all they want to do at that age is be like everyone else.”

The elder Hucker admitted he was “a little embarrassed” about how much he spent for the tickets – $3,000. But he said the family has become active in foundation causes since Ricky’s diagnosis at age 3, and probably would’ve donated a similar amount, anyway, given how much advances in insulin delivery and monitoring have helped Ricky manage the condition. With his pump, for example, the number of shots he needs has decreased from several every day to a few a week.

Not to mention that the money meant Rick and wife Dympna could provide a special treat to their kids. Daughters Lizzie, 10, and Rachel, 6, are pretty big Jonas Brothers fans, too – even if they don’t have diabetes.

And the family reaction to the concert? “Awesome,” reported Rick, who, as the fifth member of the group, was relegated to chauffeur duty.

Source: Daily Herald