Gavin's Diabetic Alert Dog

Hello! My name is Gavin Naffziger, I am a 17 year old senior at University High School, continuing my education and football career at Missouri Southern State University in the Fall of 2024.

As a second grader, my young life was met with a great challenge. In December of 2013, I fell ill. Waking up pale as a ghost on a school day, my Mother, Lorra, brought me to the Bromenn Medical Center emergency room. After going to check me in, the nurse working the desk was confused when my mother answered "No" after asking if I've been diagnosed with diabetes. This proactive awareness of the nurse had saved my life, as she hurried us back into an emergency room. She was right.

Shortly after entering the emergency room, I was transferred by ambulance to the OSF Children's Hospital of Peoria. Upon arrival, my blood sugar sat in the range of 900 - 1000, more than 800 points over a healthy, average blood sugar of 120. If we had arrived at the emergency room any later, it was an incredibly high chance that I would've entered complete organ failure. The week that I spent here was rigorous and terrifying for a 7 year old boy. It is impossible for me to forget the looks on my parent's faces when they were told my diagnosis, and not being able to comprehend what it meant.

Since my diagnosis, I have entered DKA on 3 separate occasions due to pump site failures, and forgetting to pay attention to my own well being. High blood sugar is my biggest issue, as I started 2015 with an A1C of 12.1, and just this month, I have worked to lower it to 8.0. With an A1C this high, I have trouble fixing my own injuries, as it affects my ability to heal. Due to this, minor scratches often take months to cover, and muscle injuries can last 2x longer than the average person. In the winter of last year, I suffered a knee injury during a wrestling match. Torn MPFL, and meniscus. After finally getting into the doctor, I was met with the unfortunate news that my A1C is too high for them to operate on me. They said it needed to be at a 7.2 to be operated on. This was very devastating to me, as I have spent a year working out and playing football on my injured knee. Despite this, I have continued to try.

As well as high blood sugars, my family and I are terrified of my lows. I experience low blood sugar just as much as highs. Low blood sugar can be just as harmful, if not more, in most cases. If I let my blood sugar drop too low, I risk coma, and death. I have been very lucky and grateful to have a family to care for my blood sugar when I am unable to, or when I don't realize. Especially when I am asleep, as this is when I am most vulnerable. I have experienced my shaky, blurry vision, and disorienting symptoms of low blood sugar almost every where. At football practice, dinner, bed, and even sitting down watching a movie. It's terrifying, and lucky I have been able to manage the most of it myself with the support of my friends, family, and coaches. However I'm moving off to college next year, a state away from all of these people.

The money raised from this fundraiser will be used towards the life-changing companion, and the expensive training required to make them the best of the best. With a Diabetic Alert Dog (ADA Service Animal), I will have a friend to check in on me, no matter the time or occasion. Whether I'm sleeping, or not paying attention to my Dexcom, I will always have a friend to help me take care of me. A DAD would help prevent the low blood sugars during my sleep, saving me from a coma and even death. They can prevent my highs before my Dexcom even recognizes them. This is a potential live-saving opportunity for me, and by donating to this fundraiser, you're giving me the opportunity to take your thoughtfulness to college with me. The current exact cost is unknown, however we are aware that it's going to be expensive. The current goal is just an aiming point and anything is appreciated.

Your support will make a lasting impact, no matter how big or small. Giving me the independence and safety that I will require as a young adult in a new environment. Please consider donating, and sharing with your friends and family.

On behalf of me, my family, and friends, thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.

Sincerely,

Gavin Naffziger