Making insulin affordable is at the heart of Help a Diabetic Child, a Naples non-profit dedicated to supporting families grappling with diabetes.
Insulin pumps, essential lifelines for many, cost around $50 and must be replaced roughly every three days. The insulin itself represents a staggering financial burden, with expenses reaching thousands of dollars in just a few months.
WORLD DIABETES DAY: Family shares insights on resources in Naples
Katie Perez vividly remembers the moment the world shifted for her family. Her daughter, Rosie, has type 1 diabetes, a diagnosis that came as a complete shock.
“We could tell that something was really, really not right,” Katie recounted, her voice still laced with the anxiety of that day.
Hurriedly, they raced to the hospital, only to discover that diabetes was now part of their lives. The Rocin family’s experience opened their eyes to a challenging reality—many families are barely getting by, struggling to afford even the basics like insulin.
“Neither side of our family has any history of type 1 diabetes,” Perez noted, reflecting on their bewilderment and fear of the unknown.
The prospect of managing such a condition can be overwhelming, especially when considering recent headlines about the hope for $35 cost caps on insulin, which have been in the news since 2021.
“It’s about $3600 for every three months,” she added quietly, the weight of that figure resonating deeply.
Tami Balavage co-founded Help a Diabetic Child, an organization that has become a valuable ally for families like the Perez family. “24 hours a day, it’s a nonstop endeavor to manage type 1 diabetes,” she said, capturing the relentless nature of the condition.
Recently, the non-profit received a significant boost—a $25,000 grant from the Collier Community Foundation, which will help broaden their reach.
“Their support extends beyond financial assistance for medical supplies. They also help emotionally,” Perez shared, a flicker of gratitude crossing her face.
Help a Diabetic Child fosters community, connecting families who share similar challenges, offering training on how to manage insulin needles, and crucially, alleviating some of the financial strain that can feel insurmountable. The warmth and solidarity found within this network can make all the difference for families facing such adversity.
