My name is Leanne (aka: LA) and I am facing challenges with a recent life altering disease.  I am humbly asking for support to help me receive a pancreatic islet cell transplant.

In 2022 an infection changed what was once a healthy life— I never recovered.  I lost the ability to teach rehab/yoga, and experinced unexplained impaired vision, balance, cognition and the ability to drive.

Everything I was or did  unraveled.

A series of events during closures— led to months of falling through cracks.  It took me all the way to a CT scan much later, to check for lymphoma and a brain tumor— not quite…..

‘Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes’

My beta cells staged a full walk-out and it took a dire event— severe DKA (diabetic keratosis) and lights out to finally be diagnosed. 

I was not expected to live.

I spent a month in ICU waking up to my new full-time job: “Don’t die-you are now your own pancreas.”

My T1D has been all consuming and I continue to struggle with being impaired.  In spite of diligently managing my blood sugars and  expecting real improvement— I’ve not yet returned to any sense of normalcy.

A disheartening shift has occurred.

Hypoglycemia unawareness:

I’ve lost the initial essential warnings when my blood sugar drops—recovery from each episode takes hours.

 Nocturnal lows are frequent, and nighttime has become challenging and unpredictable.

The reality of not waking up weighs heavily each night. 

This is not in any way 'living', and it has imposed a life that is isolated- while avoiding all of my once fulfilling activities, endeavors, and purpose.

I have struggled without a safety net or human back-up.  Relying on myself in such a poor state has become unsustainable- and so I am seeking a procedure that proves to be a game changer for those struggling with brittle T1D.

 

*Islet Cell Transplant*

Hope: The University of Alberta ICT program. This procedure is for   unstable T1D like mine, it can dramatically reduce and even eliminate life-threatening lows altogether. 

It can in some cases cut insulin needs by 80-100%.

My T1D medications & needed supplies are not covered in Alberta. This new life with T1D- has mounted an enormous and unexpected financial burden.

The reality is $12,000- $15,000 each year for insulin, needles, and just basics alone.

Insulin pumps are an additional cost.

I’ve been living on and draining life savings believing next month life will return— it has not.

Your support would make this life changing transplant feasible, and  result in less insulin or complete elimination altogether.

Though the trade off is immunosuppressants—the improvement and benefits shared by other transplant recipients is nothing short of a miracle.

Goal- $50,000

✔️Alleviate ongoing out-of-pocket supply costs while I prepare and then recover.

✔️Repeat initial assessments, travel/accommodation, ongoing monitoring, and procedures.

✔️Bridging the initial costs of immunosuppressant drugs (which aren't fully covered & a lifelong commitment)

Following my islet cell transplant, I will require ongoing care for a time, monitoring, and support throughout recovery.  I will need assistance with transportation, medical appointments, daily care needs, medication management, and maintaining a safe environment while I heal. 

I am seeking assistance to help offset these necessary caregiving and recovery-related expenses so I can remain focused on my health and continued healing. 

Asking for help is an incredibly vulnerable thing. I have always been fiercely self-sufficient. 

I am in need of support to help me get there.

To be able to be here for my kids as a stable version of myself would be a gift and provide much needed hope. 

Any contribution, regardless of amount, is sincerely appreciated and will directly support these essential needs.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Even just sharing my story would help just as much.

❤️

With much gratitude and hope,

              Leanne

        Calgary, Alberta