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By Greg Cieslewicz
Lori Blakeslee’s world changed on October 15, 2006. That’s the day her then 2-year-old daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with type 1 juvenile diabetes – a disorder of the body’s immune system.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to stay alive. This means multiple injections daily, or having insulin delivered through a pump, and testing their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day. People with diabetes must also carefully balance their food intake and their exercise to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Living with type 1 diabetes is an around-the-clock job, no weekends off. Learning how to live with it can be overwhelming for everyone involved.
The WEA Trust understands the challenges of type 1 diabetes. We have a care program for children with diabetes called Kids in Control!
Blakeslee began working with Trust care manager Wendy Countryman shortly after her daughter’s diagnosis. Countryman is a registered nurse with experience in diabetes care and works with the Trust’s pediatric and adult diabetes programs.
Blakeslee, the associate director and communication specialist for the Green Bay Education Association, describes her experience working with the Trust:
“It was incredible that we were able to talk to someone who totally understood what we were going through as a family. Wendy and the Trust provided encouragement and expertise in helping us work with this illness. As a mom, you always worry about your kids – the Trust helped a worried mom address her child’s illness.
“The Trust and its staff were instrumental in educating our family and helping us educate others about this illness.
“They totally get it!
“They are here for the members, and our family cannot thank them enough for their kindness, compassion, and expertise in a time when there are so many questions.”
Experiences like Blakeslee’s set us apart from other insurance companies – something we call the “Trust Difference.” Look for more member stories in future editions of OnWEAC in Print.
Posted June 17, 2008