Help Harlow adjust to Type 1 Diabetes at only 2

Thursday January 18th Harlow’s life dramatically changed. I took her to our family doctor for a follow up as she was diagnosed with asthma a week before. Harlow, my mom and myself had all been taken down by that horrible flu that went around over the holidays. It even took myself over a week after being very sick to feel almost back to myself, so when Harlow looked like she was going through the same recovery, I didn’t initially think much of it. The last few days however, it was clear something else was going on. When we saw our doctor I was told to take Harlow straight to Sick Kids Hospital with a note speaking about our doctor’s suspicions about what was wrong with Harlow based off of hey symptoms and what we knew of Harlow’s medical history. We were taken to an ER room immediately and it was declared that Harlow has Type 1 Diabetes. For Harlow’s age, this is extremely rare. She spent that first night in the Intensive Care Unit, and I was sadly not able to stay with her. She was moved to a regular floor the next day where we stayed until Sunday evening. This past week has been unbelievably hard and overwhelming and I could not have done it without an amazing few wonderful friends, especially since my mom has been in hospital for over two weeks as well.

Harlow is slowly adjusting to the new insulin as her body gets ride of all the old ketones that will eventually die and not exist anymore. It has made her extremely hungry and irritable, which has made my sleep pretty much non existent :P

I can’t believe how incredible brave and strong this tiny 2 year old human has been though. I’m absolutely terrified of needles and Harlow has been taking her sugar pokes and insulin like the biggest champ, I am so beyond proud of her!

With this all being said, a lot of extra expenses have occurred and as well as some now ongoing ones. I have been trying my best to get back to a good stable job, but it just hasn’t happened. My mother has also had to be in hospital and then a physical therapy rehabilitation centre for much longer than we expected. Due to this, I haven’t even been able to pick up my odd catering company jobs as no one else knows how to take care of Harlow properly at the moment. Although some of her new devices and medications are covered, weirdly enough, some are not. This with the added grocery expenses to find a 2 year suitable foods she can eat/will eat, have already gone above and beyond what I was expecting. Harlow is also quickly taking after my long and tall self and has outgrown her stroller which should have been decent till about 4 years old. This and the fact my mother is no longer able to really lift her up, I need to get a stroller wagon to suit all of our needs. This being said, as hard as it is for me to reach out, if anyone is able to help out and contribute in any form, support, hang outs, money, Harlow and I greatly appreciate it.

Our whole world has been turned upside down. In the four days at the hospital I was supported so much, but my brain hurts from all the teachings and information I was given. More to come as well. I am beyond grateful for Sick Kids Hospital and our wonderful friends that have been supporting us through this extremely difficult time.

It has now been just over 2 weeks since Harlow’s diagnosis and as well as she has taken most things, new ones have become a struggle. Being a truly single mom with all these barriers has really tested my limits. Harlow and I are doing everything we can to keep moving on, but your support will absolutely make things easier. Thank you in advance,

Harlow’s Momma, Cassandra.