Help Allison Get a New Insulin Pump

Hi family and friends, it’s Allison! This year, all I want for Christmas/my birthday is a new insulin pump! On Aug 31, my pump was taken by someone after I set it down to use the restroom at a concert, and by the time I realized I didn’t have it on, it was already gone. I called Golden 1 Center for weeks to see if anyone turned it in, but unfortunately, it was nowhere to be found. As a type 1 diabetic for the last 22, almost 23 years, I have never lost or had someone steal my pump. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with my insulin pump. When I was younger, I didn’t love wearing it because I felt like I was showing the world I had a disease or hated being connected to a device. Now, as an adult, I realize how lucky I am to live in a time where the technology is the best it’s ever been! With that being said, I tried contacting my endocrinologist, my insurance (Kaiser), and the pump company to order a new one, but unfortunately, the way insurance works, my request for a new pump was denied by Kaiser because “I already have one.” I filed a police report and appealed the denial and explained to them I no longer have a pump because it was stolen, and they said they didn’t think I would be approved for another one because I was still under warranty until Nov 2026.

It’s been about 90 days without an insulin pump; that’s roughly 540 injections so far. With an insulin pump, I would have only had to change my infusion site 20 times by now. My body is definitely feeling the difference of not having an insulin pump. Without insurance covering a new one, the out-of-pocket cost for a new insulin pump is $4,000-$5,000, and I just don’t have that lying around right now. In fear of having to go 2 more years (that’s 4,380 injections) not having an insulin pump, I am humbly asking if anyone has anything to spare, I would appreciate it sooo so much. Please and thank you.