Emergency Preparations

I am a single mother of two beautiful little girls, ages 10 and 7.

My 7 year old was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic 08/09/10, after nearly losing her life to ketoacidosis. An often fatal consequence of undiagnosed type 1 diabetes. She pulled through, and not a day will pass without me expressing my gratitude to the Universe.

As a type 1 diabetic, she is forever more dependent on insulin. Whether that be through daily injections, the use of an insulin pen.... or an insulin pump. She will continue to be dependent on insulin until a cure is found.

I have usually prided myself on being prepared for an emergency. Living on a fault line, you are always warned to be ready for a substantial earthquake. But this week, my little family living in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia BC had a different sort of emergency: the Snowstorm of 2012. Schools have been closed all week, roads largely inaccessible. Myself, my vehicle has taken up full time residence in a brine solution soaked snowbank on the side of the road. I have been trying to dig it out for days. It is still there.

I have insulin.... I have lancets..... I have resevoirs for her insulin pump..... I have insertion sets for the pump... I have spare batteries... I have juice boxes... I have test strips.

Wait! I *did* have test strips. Until yesterday afternoon Rowan announced "they're all gone". Dread filled my chest. We had to go outside in THAT! I had to dig out that dang car! I've not had much luck so far with the car excavation.

Since switching to the insulin pump, Rowan will test her blood glucose via a fingerpoke 10-14 times a day. Before the snowstorm, I had more than 100 strips at home. Even my supply of juice boxes (used for treating hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar) was beginning to be depleted. I didn't know what caused me more anxiety. Having a low, and having to pour maple syrup into her mouth. Or suspecting a low, and not being able to confirm it.

I thought I was ready for an emergency. The snow storm of 2012 proved me wrong (lesson learned Mother Nature, thank you for the fire drill! Lesson learned... lesson learned!)

Evidentally, my emergency plan B (loot the pharmacy) wouldn't even work.... as I had no means of GETTING to the pharmacy.

It took three families in my small town rallying together to collect Rowan's test strips from the pharmacy. The first family, their vehicle wouldn't start in these subarctic temperatures. First family notified second family. Second family, while their vehicle would start.... couldn't get said vehicle out of their ice lined driveway. Second family recruits third family. Third family arrives on the horizon like the gallant rescuer that they were, collects member from second family. Proceeds to pharmacy, then delivers to our humble abode.

Have I mentioned that I've learned my lesson in being prepared?

What I *haven't* mentioned? The g-r-a-t-i-t-u-d-e I have for ALL families involved in this dramatic feat of purchasing test strips. Yes.... they even brought four packs of juice boxes with them.

So please.... if you have a loved one living with type 1 diabetes. Or ANY loved one living with any demanding illness. Please consider my plight. Please review your own emergency preparedness.

Wishing you good health, cooperative blood glucose levels, and a warm heart on a cold winter day!

Much love and respect for you on your various journeys,

Krystin and her LadyBugs
Woman.... Artist.... Mother.... Advocate.... Artificial Pancreas..... and everything in between.