Help Sacha have a normal life without worries

Sacha is a 17-year-old girl living with type 1 Diabetes who has developed an insulin allergy.  This is a very rare condition with the same type of allergy to insulin only being reported in a few people around the world.  We had tried several therapies all of which were unsuccessful.  She was in the hospital for several months dependent on an insulin infusion by IV (PICC line) and was finally discharged this week after insertion of the Diaport system, allowing for ongoing, safe administration of insulin which for Sacha is a life-sustaining therapy.

Sacha is a bright and hardworking grade 12 student.  She is heading to university in the fall to study criminology.  She has been working part-time jobs since she was 14 and still manages to maintain above average grades.

Sacha is the first individual in Canada to have insertion of the Diaport system which was previously only available in Europe.  Surgically implanted under anesthesia, this system safely delivers insulin into Sacha's body, avoiding an allergic reaction by the contact of insulin in the layer under the skin.  This is the only solution for Sacha to have a normal life.  The Health Canada Special Access Program has approved the Diaport system, the insulin pump, Diaport supplies, pump supplies and the insulin.  The pharmaceutical company Roche provided compassionate coverage of the cost of the system, of the consumables for a full year through their Canadian division and paid for the German surgeon to come to Canada to help our CHEO team to learn about the system including implantation of the device through their Global offices.  However, Sacha and her family will have to pay for consumables and insulin for the device after the first year.  The annual costs will be approximately $15,000 every year for the supplies related to the Diaport and insulin pump, costs that are not covered by health insurance or the Ontario government.  Numerous factors can influence annual costs such as the number of supplies needed in a particular year due to complications with the Diaport system.  In the event that the annual costs are lower than $15,000, any additional money raised will be used for additional years of supplies purchases and unexpected complication costs.  This system will be a lifesaving for this resilient, kind and strong young woman.

Sacha and her family need our help and support to cover the cost of the medical supplies needed on a yearly basis to maintain a quality of life.  She has a bright future ahead of her.  One where she hopefully does not have to face a financial burden to continue to survive.  Our goal is to raise $75,000 to fund the supplies for 5 years and beyond.

Thank you so much for your contribution and if you are unable to donate at this time, please send positive energy towards Sacha for her recovery.