2007 - A year to give thanks
2007 was our first full year of operation. We had our growing pains, as any new organization does, but we did not have to turn away one single person who applied and qualified for assistance through IPump.
What made our 2007 such a success — we helped more than 190 people — was due to two things: An overwhelming and generous response from others who have diabetes and had spare supplies. Dozens of caring people from all over the country sent diabetes supplies and insulin pumps to us so we could give away syringes, test strips, meters, pump supplies — even insulin pumps — to others in need.
The second thing that made IPump successful is its volunteers and dedicated Board of Directors. The Board not only oversees and governs IPump but with the exception of $200 we received from others, Board members footed the entire operating costs.
Lahle Wolfe, one of the original founders of IPump has now put in more than 5,000 hours of volunteer time to get the organization off the ground and keep it running. We hope to see more financial contributors in 2008 so we can hire a full-time executive director (we cannot expect Ms. Wolfe to continue to work 70 hour weeks for free indefinitely). We need to hire at least one full-time staff member not just because we have grown too big for one volunteer to “do it all” but also because the IRS and some grantors have strict guidelines about relying solely on volunteers to perform “key” aspects of the corporation (you cannot be all volunteer for certain financial considerations).
So, we have decided to create this blog to keep you updated on all our happenings. It is also a fast(er) and easy(ier) way to thank our donors and share some of the personal stories and thanks from others we have helped.
All of us at IPump wish you and yours a healthy and Merry Christmas. May you be blessed with hope, peace, and joy . . .and of course, a good A1C!