Meet Austin! Hero and Miracle Kid!
Meet Austin, an amazing young man who along with his family, are sharing how Stormont Vail Health’s programs and services have helped them.
Austin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on January 19, 2017. Type 1 is a chronic, auto-immune disease where the body attacked insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. His body, as a type 1 diabetic, produces very little to no insulin. After diagnosed, Austin spent three days in the hospital not only receiving insulin and fluids. He and his family spent hours with doctors, nurses, and diabetes educators learning how to make this their new norm.
Careful consideration is taken for his surroundings and intake of food. Stress, mood, weather, and activity are all factors that affect his blood sugar. Any insulin given in wrong proportions can be fatal. It is crucial that each dose is calculated correctly, and his blood levels are monitored constantly, and with every meal. There is no cure for this disease, so he is insulin-dependent for life.
Anywhere Austin goes, he carries a small bag around that includes all of his supplies. At any given moment, he might need to check his blood, receive an insulin injection or worst-case scenario, need his emergency pen. Communication must be strong and emphasized for all caregivers for Austin, and it is important they are carefully trained on administering insulin and emergency pens. They need to know how to look for the signs and symptoms that may hint at Austin needing his levels checked. Austin’s 504 plan at school is also always kept up to date. Classroom teachers monitor a 504 plan. A student with an IEP, as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may receive different educational services in a special or regular educational setting, depending on the student’s needs. There is constant communication between Austin’s teachers, nurses, principal, and parents.
Austin is under the care of his endocrinology team at Cotton O’Neil Clinic and Stormont Vail Health, visiting them every three months for re-evaluation of blood numbers and A1C. He is tested yearly for other autoimmune diseases including by not limited to Celiac disease and Thyroid disease. Research at Stormont Vail Health has increased dramatically as it pertains to diabetes. The endocrinology office has begun testing siblings in order to hopefully catch the disease sooner, slow it down, and long-term stop it from occurring. Each visit with the Stormont Vail Health team allows the family to grow in knowledge of the disease that they can then use to help care for Austin.
Austin remains very active in basketball, soccer and tennis. He loves playing sports with peers any chance he gets and enjoys playing with his little brother. Austin enjoys playing outside, sports, math, and video games, especially on his PC. Austin and his family remain positive throughout this journey. They have embraced this learning experience, and they use it to educate others about the disease. His parents have spoken with Austin’s class, on multiple occasions, to help them understand & educate them on his routine. They have also volunteered with the local Lion’s Club in the past, to educate as well. They are always eager to spread the awareness. With type 1 diabetes, there is so much to learn and so many factors involved. The team at Stormont Vail Health has moved mountains for this family, always leading them in the right direction, keeping Austin safe and healthy. “I’m not asking why, but rather asking myself how I can make a difference,” has been the family’s motto from day one. Their goal is to continue a positive outlook on life no matter what is handed to them.
