Support Donna in Diabetes Freedom Journey

Help Me Break Free from Type 1 Diabetes!!

For nearly three decades, I've been living with type 1 diabetes—a constant companion that never lets go. Since my diagnosis in 1997, I've been tethered to insulin, glucose monitors, pumps, and the relentless cycle of highs and lows. Despite my best efforts, my body struggles to produce insulin, leading to ICU visits, quarterly endocrinology appointments, and spending $600 to $800 every three months on supplies.

I'm exhausted. I'm tired of renting my life from Big Pharma. But there's a glimmer of hope. I have been chosen for an islet cell transplant in Los Angeles—a procedure that could potentially free me from the daily grind of diabetes management.

Why This Matters?

This isn't just about me. Participating in this transplant study means contributing to groundbreaking research aimed at:

* Establishing and improving the safety of islet cell transplantation as a treatment for type 1 diabetes.

* Evaluating the effectiveness of islet cell transplantation as a potential cure.

* Establishing islet cell transplantation as a superior and more viable treatment option for type 1 diabetes patients.

If this procedure grants me even a few years of a less restrictive life—free from constant medical equipment and the daily fear of blood sugar crashes—it will be worth it.

The Financial Burden Continues

The journey to Los Angeles for pre-transplant testing and donor islet cell typing is not just a physical challenge but a financial one. The estimated costs are:

Airfare for two round-trip tickets (3 trips-1 last minute): $12,000

*Initial Lab Work and Pre-Transplant Testing

*Tissue Typing-to find a donor

*Transplant- 7 day hospital stay / remain on site for close monitoring of blood sugars and insulin intake when new transplanted cells start working for approximately 30 days

Lodging for approximately 34 days in Los Angeles: $5,800

Total: $17,800

Unfortunately, I cannot afford all of these expenses on my own. That's where your support comes in.

How You Can Help, You Ask?

Your contribution, no matter the size, will help cover travel and lodging expenses, allowing me to focus on my health and the possibility of a future without diabetes. By donating, you're not just helping me—you’re supporting research that could change the lives of countless others battling this disease.

I have prayed that this will be beneficial not only to me but to others with type 1 diabetes who are struggling to survive. No matter how much you do to beat this disease, it remains exhausting, and you frequently feel like a failure. This transplant could be a beacon of hope for future research and treatments.

Please consider donating and sharing my story. Together, we can make this journey possible.