Finding Hope – Conquering Fear

By Karen Coney Coplin

When Joe and Tami Balavage founded Help A Diabetic Child (HADC), it wasn’t because they planned to start a non-profit. It was a spontaneous and caring action because their 16-year-old son Michael received a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis (T1D), and their family’s life changed overnight.

Michael’s family quickly learned a reality that most never have to consider: a person living with T 1D cannot survive without insulin. Without insulin, a life-threatening condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) will develop. With DKA, severe symptoms may begin within a day of a missed dose. Insulin is not optional. It’s a life-saving and life sustaining medication.

Tami shared that her son’s diagnosis meant constant monitoring injections and vigilance, all while he was navigating typical teen life like school, friendships and sports. She and her husband felt both responsibility and fear, but also the weight of a staggering financial reality.

Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of his initial supplies was overwhelming. Before leaving the hospital, the family needed long-acting and short acting insulin, along with glucose test strips, a meter, lancets, glucose tablets, ketone strips, and emergency glucagon.

This latter medication is so essential that a child cannot attend school without it kept safely with a school nurse. Additionally, this is one of the most expensive diabetic prescriptions.

As with the experiences shared with others going through the same diagnosis, Michael’s family discovered that this was not a unique outcome. Families in Naples were rationing insulin and delaying doctor visits in some cases. Others felt compelled to choose between basic needs and life-saving supplies.

All of this coupled with high deductibles and expensive copays as well as gaps in coverage frequently left families paying thousands of dollars annually before insurance stepped in.

This awareness sparked action by the Balavage family. Initially, their community outreach began with car washes and local business donations which were successful in raising a few hundred dollars at a time. These humble beginnings expanded into a lifeline, even reaching across the state of Florida in some cases.

In its first year, HADC helped eight children in Collier County and Lee County. Through continued growth, community education and various activities, HADC has assisted over 10,000 families in Southwest Florida during the past 15 years.

That’s an amazing and ongoing impact. Tami can recount numerous instances where parents have shared their utter relief in receiving life-saving medication to care for their child. Typically, the assistance provided by HADC lasts up to 3 months, giving families time to secure insurance, make applications to patient assistance programs, or stabilize employment.

T 1D requires relentless management and alters typical family schedules. Students will miss classes for appointments and parents sometimes lose work time for the same reason.

Also, there are long-term complications which potentially can develop into cardiovascular or kidney disease, among other outcomes. Occurrences such as this can further increase both medical and financial burdens.

Each November, in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, HADC hosts a dinner for families, medical professionals, and community supporters. It’s an evening of connection and fundraising. Please mark your calendars as HADC welcomes help in securing sponsors, selling tickets and assembling silent auction gift baskets.

Naples has long been a community known for generosity. There are many ways to make a difference. This could be through volunteering, sharing the mission or social media posts, and of course financial support is always appreciated.

Please visit HelpADiabeticChild.org for additional information.

No child should ever go without insulin. HADC is committed to helping families facing a T1D diagnosis find stability and hope.

Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions for future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable organizations in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer. Additionally, for more vignettes about