Send Kasim To Diabetic Summer Camp
Donation protected
In 2010 my son Kasim, was diagnosed with type one diabetes, an autoimmune disease where the body does not produce insulin. Without insulin, my son’s body cannot turn food into energy. In order to survive, Kasim, now, 10 years old, takes 4-5 shots of insulin a day before meals and snacks. Insulin is administered in units, an amount that varies depending on how much activity Kasim has had, his growth, his mood, when he bathes, whether he needs sleep or has had too much, and other factors that arise. In school, he checks his blood glucose levels 2-3 times a day - once mid morning to see how he reacted to breakfast, at noon to cover lunch carbs, and another check right before he leaves school. These checks are crucial throughout the day because his blood glucose levels directly affect the function of the body and the brain.
This can be a lot for the average 10 year old boy to endure. At any moment, if Kasim’s blood sugar levels are too low, he could drop into a diabetic coma that could be fatal. Blood sugar highs cause long term damage that could result in amputations, blindness, or death. This information is medical fact and also the tragic reality my son faced only three years ago when his levels dropped so low that he became unresponsive. Although he wasn't in my care at that time, he still mentions his fear of it happening again. Every morning that Kasim wakes up, I am grateful because I know how precious his life is.
As a single black father, I am proud to say that Kasim is thriving here in Georgia. He has gained healthy weight and has even grown in height since his first medical visit in Georgia last year (2015). Before I gained full custody of my son in 2015, Kasim was not recieving the proper doages of insulin on a regular basis. As a result, his diabetes was uncontrolled and he was ill for months at a time. He was diagnosed as "failing to thrive" just over a year ago but now, I have a healthy son that is active, works hard in school, and is able to experience organized sports for the first time. Raising a child with a life threatening disability is highly demanding on both of our lives, but thankfully, we have each other and the support of good family and friends.
Today, I am faced with the challenge of preparing Kasim for the 6th grade which begins in August 2016 - his first year of middle school. We are blessed to have had access to a nurse at his current school who assisted with counting carbohydrates, blood glucose checks and administering insulin shots. Next year, there will not be a nurse to help him with these things. He will be on his own and as he continues to grow from a boy into a man, he will need to know how to properly care for himself so that he can live to actualize his greatest ambitions.
I heard about Camp Kudzu from Kasim's endocrinologist. She recommended the camp suggesting that it would be a great tool for our family in helping Kasim transition to middle school and would empower him as he approaches puberty. Here is some information on the camp from its website:
"Camp Kudzu is a non-profit organization providing education, recreation and peer-networking programs for Georgia's children with Type 1 diabetes. Camp Kudzu's mission is to educate, empower and inspire children living with diabetes. The camp offers summer sessions, family weekends and teen retreats. The focus is on fun, but the lessons learned regarding diabetes self-management skills are critical to long-term health."
"Children who have access to quality diabetes management education at a young age can reduce their risk of diabetes-related complications. Camp provides vital education in a setting that gives each child the best chance of practicing lessons learned."
I am looking to raise $2,500 to help cover the cost of Kasim attending Camp Kudzu as well as purchase insulin (long acting and fast acting) and diabetic supplies such as keytone test strips($60 50ct), blood glucose test strips ($150 50ct), needles ($80 100ct), Lancets ($30 100ct), alcohol wipes, snacks, etc. - things he needs daily. Kasim and I are deeply appreciative for any contributions offered and want to thank all of you in advance for helping increase the quality of my son’s life.
This can be a lot for the average 10 year old boy to endure. At any moment, if Kasim’s blood sugar levels are too low, he could drop into a diabetic coma that could be fatal. Blood sugar highs cause long term damage that could result in amputations, blindness, or death. This information is medical fact and also the tragic reality my son faced only three years ago when his levels dropped so low that he became unresponsive. Although he wasn't in my care at that time, he still mentions his fear of it happening again. Every morning that Kasim wakes up, I am grateful because I know how precious his life is.
As a single black father, I am proud to say that Kasim is thriving here in Georgia. He has gained healthy weight and has even grown in height since his first medical visit in Georgia last year (2015). Before I gained full custody of my son in 2015, Kasim was not recieving the proper doages of insulin on a regular basis. As a result, his diabetes was uncontrolled and he was ill for months at a time. He was diagnosed as "failing to thrive" just over a year ago but now, I have a healthy son that is active, works hard in school, and is able to experience organized sports for the first time. Raising a child with a life threatening disability is highly demanding on both of our lives, but thankfully, we have each other and the support of good family and friends.
Today, I am faced with the challenge of preparing Kasim for the 6th grade which begins in August 2016 - his first year of middle school. We are blessed to have had access to a nurse at his current school who assisted with counting carbohydrates, blood glucose checks and administering insulin shots. Next year, there will not be a nurse to help him with these things. He will be on his own and as he continues to grow from a boy into a man, he will need to know how to properly care for himself so that he can live to actualize his greatest ambitions.
I heard about Camp Kudzu from Kasim's endocrinologist. She recommended the camp suggesting that it would be a great tool for our family in helping Kasim transition to middle school and would empower him as he approaches puberty. Here is some information on the camp from its website:
"Camp Kudzu is a non-profit organization providing education, recreation and peer-networking programs for Georgia's children with Type 1 diabetes. Camp Kudzu's mission is to educate, empower and inspire children living with diabetes. The camp offers summer sessions, family weekends and teen retreats. The focus is on fun, but the lessons learned regarding diabetes self-management skills are critical to long-term health."
"Children who have access to quality diabetes management education at a young age can reduce their risk of diabetes-related complications. Camp provides vital education in a setting that gives each child the best chance of practicing lessons learned."
I am looking to raise $2,500 to help cover the cost of Kasim attending Camp Kudzu as well as purchase insulin (long acting and fast acting) and diabetic supplies such as keytone test strips($60 50ct), blood glucose test strips ($150 50ct), needles ($80 100ct), Lancets ($30 100ct), alcohol wipes, snacks, etc. - things he needs daily. Kasim and I are deeply appreciative for any contributions offered and want to thank all of you in advance for helping increase the quality of my son’s life.
Organizer
SideStreet Ked
Organizer
Atlanta, GA