Help Leo's Family Care For His Type 1 Diabetes

Hi all,

 

My name is Dani. I am Leo's Godmother and close friends with Carrie and Travis.

 

Early Morning on December 4th, Leo Valentine Stearns was brought to a rural hospital in Mora, MN for an unknown diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis but his symptoms presented as vomiting, rapid labored breathing, and a temp of 95.6 degrees. He tested positive for RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) and was treated as such. After failed attempts at placing an IV and getting him fluids, his health declined quickly. The use of steroids and antibiotics were unsuccessful while his heartbeat was in the 170s continuously with labored breathing. After 4 hours his white blood cell count was very low which showed signs of an infection. An anesthesiologist finally became available as the hospital was understaffed, and placed an IV correctly in his foot. The anesthesiologist also requested that someone test Leo's blood sugar. By the time an IV was placed correctly, a helicopter was ready to airlift Leo to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis where they would be better equipped to handle the emergency situation. Mom and Dad had to drive separately because all of the medical equipment and paramedics filled the aircraft.

 

Upon getting to the hospital Leo was given full-body CT scans, bloodwork, etc. to assess what he needed to stay alive. He was immediately diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. This is a life-threatening situation that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones due to the body not creating enough insulin. The care he received at Children's was a godsend. A vein specialist was able to place IVs upon admittance to get him the antibiotics and fluids he needed. Mom and Dad were alerted of brain swelling that needed to be closely monitored. Luckily, in days it did go down! Leo gained cognitive ability with the care he received at the ICU but was unable to stand or walk until Wednesday due to the RSV and Fatigue. On the third day, he was moved out of the ICU, and into a regular hospital bed.

 

Mom and Dad went through a boot camp to learn how to check blood sugar, count carbohydrates for every piece of food that enters Leo's body, and administer insulin correctly and safely for the dose needed for current levels. This will be a 4-6 times-per-day routine for the rest of Leo's life. Some levels will normalize but he will be always growing and changing which will require adaptability. His Type One Diabetes diagnosis is not a death sentence, it will just require constant care to keep him out of the hospital.

 

 

 

 

Mom and Dad have not been able to work since last week and will be needing time off to learn how to care for Leo, while also helping him heal from RSV. Thankfully Leo's Dad, Travis Stearns, has a job that provides health insurance. As many of you know, Mom, Carrie Charest Valentine is also pregnant with a second boy who is due on March 1st, 2022. She owns her own business and will be very affected financially by this lifestyle change. Leo requires monitoring every 3 hours (even at night), and it will be difficult for Carrie to maintain the level of work she has been doing while she learns to care for Leo.

 

 

 

 

I set up this account for them because I know it can be difficult to ask for help. I also know that Carrie, Travis, and Leo have SO many people who absolutely adore them, and would do anything they can to help.

 

So far, all we know for sure is that there will be out-of-pocket costs in the tens of thousands of dollars. Some unexpected costs will include the price of airlifting Leo to Children's Hospital in Minneapolis from their home in rural northern Minnesota, ongoing costs of keeping Leo's health consistent, gas to help them get to and from the many upcoming doctor's appointments, and of course the exorbitant price of Insulin. So far they have already had to purchase three different styles of monitors (at different specialists' recommendation) to get the one that will work best for him. Soon they will be able to monitor him via an app vs having to 'prick' him every 3 hours. This will be a great improvement for all 3 of them. Hopefully this will also help them afford Apple Watches so they can more easily monitor Leo's health. Lastly, I think we all would love for Carrie and Travis to be able to have one less worry, especially that being money, as they learn their new normal and prepare for baby number two in March.

 

This is just the beginning of Leo's journey with Type 1 Diabetes. Let's all join together to make it as stress- and pain-free as possible, so he can get back to what's important (playing dinos and becoming a big brother!). If you are able to financially help Leo, Carrie, & Travis recover from these unexpected costs, we would so appreciate it. Truly every little bit counts.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for helping if you are able.

 

xo,

Leo's Godparents,

Dani & Cole Smith