I wanted to take a minute to ask for your support for my good friend Rusty Bogart and his family. Many of you know Rusty and know he’s one of the most kind, generous, funny and joyful people to be around. Rusty’s family is currently going through a tough season right now. Their sweet little girl, Grace, was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and it’s flipped their way of life upside down while they learn to manage the disease and entrust school nurses and family with her care. I’ve learned a ton more about the disease talking with Rusty but there’s so much to managing it and ensuring that Grace can have as normal a childhood as possible.

With much humility, Rusty has shared with me the financial burden medical expenses have started to accrue. The Bogart family absolutely welcomes your prayers and if you feel led to give anything to help financially, it is much appreciated. I asked Rusty to share how this has affected them:

On December 5th, my 8-year-old daughter Grace became very ill and ended up in the ICU at Sutter Hospital. We were devastated to learn that she was in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The days in the hospital were frightening, and the last two months have been incredibly tough for our family. We have been hit hard by grief, anxiety, fear of hypoglycemia, sleepless nights, and relentless concern for Grace’s well-being. We’ve had to travel to Sacramento several times to meet with her endocrinologist, and everyday Grace bravely receives multiple insulin shots.

Because Grace’s hospital stay was in December, we were hit with unexpected hospital bills at the end of our insurance calendar year. Insurance covered most of the costs, but we still have significant out-of-pocket expenses. January started a new insurance year with a new deductible and max out-of-pocket. In the first month alone, we have received more medical bills. In the coming year, I will need to spend more to upgrade my insurance plan. We are a single income household, and wife is currently in school. We are already overstretched with normal daily expenses, and we cannot cover these medical expenses on our own. The added stress of these bills is significant.

Supporting a child with diabetes is endless, exhausting, very emotional, and financially tough. Getting help financially will relieve some of this burden. We travel to Sacramento for Grace’s care, buy insulin, needles, and continuous glucose monitors monthly, and soon we will need to purchase insulin pumps. Some of these costs are covered by my insurance, but many are not. I expect to reach our max out-of-pocket limit this year, and I can’t make changes to my current insurance plan until next year. The next plan will cost significantly more of my income, and I’m not prepared for that. We are trusting God through this journey and are so thankful for all the love, support and prayers we have already received from our family and friends.