Derek's Fight Against Type 1 Diabetes

Hey there, if you know Annie and Derek Rogers as I do, you know how sweet, loving, hard-working, and kind they are as a family. I am fundraising to help my wonderful neighbor, Annie Rogers, take care of Derek's new medical bills. Annie is a single mom and a kindergarten teacher here in (Conway) Orlando, Florida. She takes care of her 18 students as if they were her own; she is on the PTA board and makes the school yearbook every year. She is selfless with her time and supports our wonderful Conway community every chance she gets. Now is our time to support her!

Derek is her 10-year-old son, who was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Derek is an active and energetic kid who loves animals and the outdoors. Derek is hanging in there, but it's a big adjustment for him. This fundraiser is to help offset the new medical costs for Derek's treatment. I am Annie's neighbor/friend, Michelle McConnaughhay, and I hope to get your support for this fantastic mother/teacher so she can pay for her child's medical care. Please give if you can; anything is a huge help and is greatly appreciated!

Here is a message from Annie:

On August 23rd, 2022, I took Derek to the pediatrician for what I thought would be a simple appointment. One blood sugar check and our worlds were turned upside down. His doctor said he had Type 1 diabetes, and we had to go to a pediatric endocrinologist the next day. On August 24th, we spent over four hours at the endocrinologist's office learning about T1D. Derek cried to sleep during the appointment, completely overwhelmed by everything happening to him.

Derek has to check his blood sugars a minimum of four times daily and take at least five insulin injections. We hope to get him on a continuous glucose monitor and a pump. Even with insurance, these supplies are hundreds of dollars each month.

We've had many tears over the past few weeks; Derek doesn't understand why this is happening to him and why things can't just go back to normal. He wants to be normal again, and I wish I could make that happen for him. But until there is a cure, this disease is our new reality. Every Day. Every minute!