As most of you know, I am John's auntie. Krisit's (much younger) sister. And this is what has been happening with John this past week...

After a couple of days of not feeling well, Kristi received 2 phone calls from John on the morning of March 25th- the first call was asking to take him to the ER, and the second, minutes later, telling her to call 911. John was taken (lights & sirens) to M Health Fairview. Aside from feeling horrible, he was having a lot of trouble breathing, and becoming increasingly confused. Upon arrival, they quickly determined he was experiencing DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis). He did not know he was diabetic before this crisis. His blood glucose levels were around 700 and his triglycerides were 4,000 (the machine only goes up to 4,000). John spent the next several days in ICU and eventually graduated to the step-down ICU unit for a couple of days. When the immediate danger for him was calming down, we learned just how critical John was, including sepsis. Needless to say, we are beyond grateful for the medical staff, care, and medicine available that saved his life. As a family, we are learning all about diabetes (still waiting to find out if it’s Type 1 or 2) and we are so thankful that John will be able to manage a somewhat typical lifestyle once his doctors figure out the right balance of long-acting & short-acting insulin. In addition to the insulin, John will be taking several other medications, as long as needed, to manage his condition. We are happy to report that after a week in the hospital, he is now home and being nursed back to health by Kristi (caretaking is her love language for sure!).

It's such a joy to see and hear him coherent and strong. There were many comments where we had no idea what he was talking about - some funny now- but so many sweet moments when he talked about his kids at school and also his soccer players. Even then, his dedication to them never left his thoughts or heart. And now, he is busy working on soccer plays in a notebook while his body recovers! That's our John James!

So, how can you help? First and foremost, we are asking for prayers and well wishes for John as he navigates this new way of life. And, if you are able, your donation would also help him absorb some of the financial burden that has and will come from this.

Thank you in advance for your support and love! We appreciate you!

Karla Olimb