Help Carter start year 1 without needing up to 12 needles per day.
I am starting this page for my amazing friend whose life was changed forever when she learnt that her son Carter, at 16 months old was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
With a 3 year old toddler at home to also take care of, her life suddenly took a turn she had never dreamed of.
With monitoring required 24/7, learning how to give injections, recognise when Carter was low or high, counting carbs and sleepless nights, their family had to find a new ‘normal’.
As a toddler, Carter found it difficult to understand why he was so different to other kids, which is why I was very grateful to learn when Carter was 22 months old, he was lucky enough to receive a donated pump from JDRF who raises funds for people with Diabetes in Australia. However, there is limited funding available and only a lucky few children are chosen receive one every quarter.
This pump along with his sensor means Carters blood sugar can be monitored by receiving phone alerts when his levels need attention. It also has meant that Carter requires less painful injections.
His pump is now due to be out of warranty on the 1st December, meaning it is no longer guaranteed to preform accurately and safely.
To be able to keep up with Carter as he grows, he now requires a new pump called Medtronic 770g. It is a much more advanced unit, meaning a more accurate blood sugar level control and far less chance of long term health issues as a result.
Carter has unfortunately missed out on a lot of things over the years, that a lot of kids growing up have the pleasure to do, such as birthday parties, sleep overs but most importantly enjoying time with his Grand parents and all of the family. Due to the severity of his condition, he needs to have someone who is constantly monitoring his levels with the knowledge to be able to attend to any situation.
The new pump is self adjusting to treat high blood sugar as well as cuts off to avoid life threatening lows, making it far less stressful for others when he is in their care.
This means that his days will be less about diabetes and more about having fun and doing normal kid stuff. simple thing like running around on a playground, the change in his mood, or even focusing on learning something new, or even just a growing spurt, these are just a few of the many things that also effect his blood sugar
Without this pump, Carter will be required to return to multiple daily injections, which goes without saying of how much of an impact this will have on his life.
Carter has also experienced learning difficulties and he has worked very hard over the last few years, so much so, he is now ready to move to a main stream school to start year 1, which also means he is without a carer.
By having the new pump, it will enable him to concentrate on his all important learning as well as being able to build important friendships and feeling a lot more like a normal child.
The pump he requires is $8574.00. The family has been saving but still off reaching this target. If you are able to help in any way, no amount is too little, I am greatly appreciative of any help to get our little hero his new pump.