Wednesday, May 14, 2008

My Man

Last night my youngest son Joey had a hypoglycemic seizure--his second. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes almost three years ago (June 10th) and has been on an insulin pump for the past two years. He is the most amazing kid--he can change out his insulin pod all by himself and is usually pretty good about giving himself his insulin "bolus" after eating. The first time he had a seizure, we were overseas--having taken the kids to Germany and Austria for Christmas and New Years. That was so scary, to be in a foreign country and not know the emergency procedures for something we'd never experienced. Luckily between Joe's German and the doctor's English, we made out ok. The hospital in Salzburg was great--the nurses took really good care of him and were very attentive. Our local hospital here was ok, but it felt like we had to really pipe up and make ourselves known when we needed something for Joey. I spent 7 hours in the ER with Joey, trying to sleep next to him in 1/2 hour shifts since they were keeping a close watch on his blood sugars. We are home now, and Joey is doing fine. He has been sleeping most of the morning, which is a common side effect after suffering a seizure.
In the past three years, we've done our share of fundraising for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, through their Walk for a Cure and Ride for a Cure. This year I'll be raising money through the Janus Charity Challenge, so I guess this is a good point to start the fundraising in earnest. To donate, please visit my fundraising page, and thank you!

13 comments:

Marit C-L said...

Oh - I HOPE that he's okay. My heart dropped when I read about his seizure.... sending good vibes your way. I would love to help... of course! Hang in there!

Unknown said...

KO-

Sending positive vibes to you and your family. I think your fundraising efforts are excellent.

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Anonymous said...

OH KATE! When you called, my heart sank too. I am SO glad Joe and Joey are ok! And, you too! hope Joey felt better as the day went on! Jen H. :)

Cyndi said...

Kate,

God, I'm so sorry for everything you've gone through this week! My thoughts and hugs go to you and your wonderful family! Please call if there's anything I can do.

C

tri-ing races not cases said...

Thinking lots of positive thoughts for Joey. What a brave kid he is!

Jonah Holland said...

Glad Joey's doing better! Man, that must have been scarey!

TriGirl 40 said...

Joey is an amazing kid - so glad he is doing better.

Wishing you much success with the fundraising!

TriGirl Kate O said...

Thank you Deanna for being my first donation, and thank you all for the love and support!

Jennifer Cunnane said...

Wow, I am so glad your son is doing better. I am definitely going to contribute to your fundraising efforts - I know how it is, similar experience of a different kind with one of my sons.

I also have to tell you what an amazing person you must be - incredible perspective and insight - that I gleaned from one of your postings on Mel's blog. What an interesting story your life has probably been, and raising a baby as an undergrad in college - whoah!

Anonymous said...

What a scary time you've had with your kids. Hope they both recover quickly!!!

Anonymous said...

WOW, I'm with everyone else..my heart dropped! Know that I will be visiting your fundraising page! I hope your son is doing better.

mommy to 2, feels like 4. said...

I hope he is feeling better, I can not imagine what that is like for you as a parent. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Diane said...

OMG Kate! I hope your boys are okay! What a rough few days.