Why the OmniPod?

We chose the OmniPod for a few reasons.  First, it is tubeless so Arden (we hope) will not feel attached to a machine.  As you can see in the picture above the pump is self contained and not attached to the handheld device that controls it.  If you look below you’ll see an example of how all of the other pumps on the market are configured.

All other pump options have an infusion site that is connected to the pump by a tube.  This makes it necessary for the wearer to attach the pump to their clothing or carry it in a pocket or fanny pack.

The OmniPod attaches to Arden and communicates with the controller wirelessly.  The controller is only necessary when you deliver insulin and can be kept in a purse, backpack or other such places when not in use.  

The Omni is also water proof allowing the wearer to swim or bath with it on.  All of the other pumps are only water resistant and must be disconnected during those activities causing a stoppage in insulin delivery until they are reconnected.  

Other pumps have gadgets that inject the infusion site into the wearer - the OmniPod self inserts with a push of a button.  You apply the pod and then tell the controller to insert the tube that delivers the insulin.  Not extra “stuff” to keep track of.

There are many more reason why we picked the Omni that I’ll get into later.  For now I hope that I’ve peaked your interest and that you’ll stop back and track our progress.

Our goal is to be 100% comfortable with the pump before Arden starts kindergarten in the fall. 

Change

We are just beginning the transition from constant injections to an insulin pump.  Arden has attended two preliminary pump classes over the last few months.  Now it’s time to  send the necessary forms to the pump company.  Once everything is received and verified the pump should arrive in a few weeks.

I am going to track our progress here to create a reference tool for those with interest.  I anticipate some bumps in the road but am mostly hopeful that this change will be both a relief for Arden as well as a way to gain an even tighter control of her blood glucose.  

Wish us luck!

Alberta Update

You may know that Arden has lent her cute face to the Alberta DIabetes Foundation to use for some of their fund raising efforts.  Here is a quick update on what’s been happening in Canada.

The mail campaign featuring Arden has raised over$123,000 at last count!

Arden is also featured on the main page of the ADF’s website.  Scroll down to see her - https://www.afdr.ab.ca 

Arden has been included in a calendar that has just been printed.

The ADF will be holding a charity golf outing this year.  A child will be featured at each hole along with a brief synopsis of how diabetes effects them.  Arden will be featured at one of the holes.

We are very proud of our relationship with Alberta and the money that we’ve been able to help generate for type I research. 

Bowl to Cure Diabetes

The bowling fundraiser organized by Stu&Stew Promotionsstuandstew@gmail.com was a wonderful successes!  Over 140 people gathered to support the JDRF.  We bowled, ate and had a great time.  When the day ended $1,360 was raised to support type I diabetes research.  

We want to thank everyone that attended with a special thanks going out to Dan (pictured on right) and Chris (left) for all of their efforts.

There are pictures from the event in our photo gallery.

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The following are archived comments from this post. You can post new comments below.

Brian Mullaney

Scott - I had such a good time at the event and you count on my wife Jodi and I for continued support!

Monday, January 26, 2009 - 08:38 AM

Anonymous

It was our pleasure Scott.  Arden is a wonderful little girl and she and alll the other kids deserves our efforts.  This is just the first of many events we will be doing to help people in need.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - 08:12 AM

One for the good guys

It’s official, Horizon BC/BS of New Jersey and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have come to terms on a new contract!

<from CHOP’s website- http://www.chop.edu/consumer/news/story.jsp?id=89783>

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) announced on January 16, 2009, they reached an agreement that will keep the facility in-network for Horizon BCBSNJ members. The agreement also ensures that CHOP’s physician groups and its facilities in New Jersey will remain in Horizon BCBSNJ’s network.

“This agreement is a victory for the children of New Jersey. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has worked with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to preserve treatment for thousands of children who rely on our unique services. The agreement also preserves the system of care CHOP has established throughout New Jersey,” said Steven M. Altschuler, MD, President and CEO, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

“With this agreement, our members will continue to have in-network access to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and their physician groups in New Jersey,” said Christy Bell, Senior Vice President Healthcare Management. “Everyone wins with this agreement because it will keep costs affordable and will include CHOP in our hospital network.”

This agreement is a huge relief to our family and I imagine to countless other families in our region.  I am not embarrassed to tell you that I shed a tear or two when I found out -- it means that much to Arden.  

Thank you to everyone that took the time to write a letter, pass the word on to a friend or signed our petition.  I have a good source who told me that the internal email that CHOP sent to it’s employees specifically states that this contract happening largely because of the pressure Horizon got from outraged citizens.  If I can obtain a copy of that email I’ll post it.  Thank you for being an advocate for Arden!