T Slim Pump and Dexcom Meter
Donation protected
Hello to everyone, and thank you very much for taking the time to read Drew’s story.
Our names are Kelly and Lori Alley, and we are writing this in hopes of raising $2,800.00 for Drew to get the T-Slim Insulin Pump and Dexcom Sensor. The sensor alerts the individual when they are approaching low blood sugar, which has been the source of Drews issue ever since he was diagnosed.
Drew was diagnosed with Addisons Disease and Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 6. This is a dangerous combination because the medication he takes to control his Addison’s disease actually raises his blood sugar, making it very hard for him to manage it with certainty.
When Drew was 21 he had a low blood sugar and first seizure. He was taken to the hospital and we were informed that he was in status epilepticus which is a state of constant seizing. Drew was in a medically induced coma for 4 days, and in the ICU for 5 days.
They did an EEG and the neurologist said “I’m very sorry the results are not normal”. The doctor informed us that due to the severity of the seizures he suffered, he may need help managing his diabetes because memory will likely be affected. The doctor was absolutely correct in that assumption. Drew forgot about counting carbs and how you are to check your blood sugar 2 hours after eating and give yourself the appropriate amount of insulin to achieve the desired blood sugar. He also has a hard time recalling how much insulin to give himself based on what his blood sugar is.
Beyond a lifetime of extremely low blood sugars, numerous 911 calls and hospital stays, this year has shown us that we absolutely need more help. Since March he has had 2 severely low blood sugars, requiring 911 assistance. Once again, his blood sugar was so low that his meter couldn’t even register the number. On March 29th of this year, he borrowed my car. Hours later I received a call from a nurse in the emergency room saying his blood sugar went low while driving and he had a seizure. The car went over 2 medians, blew out two tires, and caused engine damage. Luckily no one was injured.
Diabetes runs in the family. Drew has a cousin who has Diabetes Type 1 also. She has the pump we are hoping for, and said that it has completely changed her life. She said the pump has helped her tremendously and kept her from experiencing low blood sugars which can lead to losing consciousness. This was very emotional to hear because this is exactly what Drew needs due to the fact it is hard for him to feel when he is going low.
Our biggest fear is Drew will go low again and have another seizure and we might not be as lucky this time.
I know by having the pump his blood sugar will improve and he can start to feel better and better physically and mentally. He will be able to enjoy life more instead of being tired and constantly worried about his next low. We are all very excited! His insurance became valid June 1st 2020 and saw his new endocrinologist on the June 3rd so we are making little steps but still getting closer! He has not met his deductible so that’s where the money comes in for the pump and sensor. We are urgently in need of help and will be thankful for every penny received.
Thank you so much for reading and allowing us to share Drew’s life with you!
Our names are Kelly and Lori Alley, and we are writing this in hopes of raising $2,800.00 for Drew to get the T-Slim Insulin Pump and Dexcom Sensor. The sensor alerts the individual when they are approaching low blood sugar, which has been the source of Drews issue ever since he was diagnosed.
Drew was diagnosed with Addisons Disease and Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 6. This is a dangerous combination because the medication he takes to control his Addison’s disease actually raises his blood sugar, making it very hard for him to manage it with certainty.
When Drew was 21 he had a low blood sugar and first seizure. He was taken to the hospital and we were informed that he was in status epilepticus which is a state of constant seizing. Drew was in a medically induced coma for 4 days, and in the ICU for 5 days.
They did an EEG and the neurologist said “I’m very sorry the results are not normal”. The doctor informed us that due to the severity of the seizures he suffered, he may need help managing his diabetes because memory will likely be affected. The doctor was absolutely correct in that assumption. Drew forgot about counting carbs and how you are to check your blood sugar 2 hours after eating and give yourself the appropriate amount of insulin to achieve the desired blood sugar. He also has a hard time recalling how much insulin to give himself based on what his blood sugar is.
Beyond a lifetime of extremely low blood sugars, numerous 911 calls and hospital stays, this year has shown us that we absolutely need more help. Since March he has had 2 severely low blood sugars, requiring 911 assistance. Once again, his blood sugar was so low that his meter couldn’t even register the number. On March 29th of this year, he borrowed my car. Hours later I received a call from a nurse in the emergency room saying his blood sugar went low while driving and he had a seizure. The car went over 2 medians, blew out two tires, and caused engine damage. Luckily no one was injured.
Diabetes runs in the family. Drew has a cousin who has Diabetes Type 1 also. She has the pump we are hoping for, and said that it has completely changed her life. She said the pump has helped her tremendously and kept her from experiencing low blood sugars which can lead to losing consciousness. This was very emotional to hear because this is exactly what Drew needs due to the fact it is hard for him to feel when he is going low.
Our biggest fear is Drew will go low again and have another seizure and we might not be as lucky this time.
I know by having the pump his blood sugar will improve and he can start to feel better and better physically and mentally. He will be able to enjoy life more instead of being tired and constantly worried about his next low. We are all very excited! His insurance became valid June 1st 2020 and saw his new endocrinologist on the June 3rd so we are making little steps but still getting closer! He has not met his deductible so that’s where the money comes in for the pump and sensor. We are urgently in need of help and will be thankful for every penny received.
Thank you so much for reading and allowing us to share Drew’s life with you!
Organizer
Kelly Alley
Organizer
Western Springs, IL