Post a Thank You
We never want to sensationalize other people’s hardships. But to keep helping others, we do have to fundraise. So we asked one of the family’s we helped if we could share their story and use their beautiful daughter’s picture. If you have ever received one of our brochures, a donor receipt, or visited our website you may already know about sweet, little Brooke.
Brooke is one of ten children in her family — a family built by love and compassion. When other family members lives were tragically cut short, Brooke’s parents adopted their orphaned relatives (from two different relatives as sadly, tragedy struck twice within a short time frame) and their family grew considerably — while their income did not.
Brooke’s parents are an amazing and loving couple. They work hard to provide for all their children and even have some insurance. But when Brooke was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes the extra expense of co-pays and medical bills put a strain on the family’s limited income. But no one else would help this family of 12. Not the county where they lived, not state programs, not Lilly, or the many other places they sought some relief.
At IPump, we do something unique. We look at each applicant’s overall situation, not just their income and insurance. We do not use formulas and questionnaires designed to eliminate people before they get a chance to tell us their entire story. After hearing about Brooke’s family, there was no doubt they are struggling because of medical expenses.
When someone, like Brooke, needs insulin to live, to refuse help when there is a genuine need is inexcusable. But IPump, too, would have to say “no” if it were not for people who help us.
Thanks to our wonderful donors of diabetes supplies we were able to help Brooke, and to date,.more than 240 people with diabetes (not bad for a new, nonprofit organization run by one woman from her garage!). Please, keep those donations of diabetes supplies coming because whatever you send to us goes out free to others in need. (We are also grateful for financial donations which help us pay for shipping and buy supplies that are not donated to us). Anything you send, no matter how small, gets pooled with other donations and adds up to big things! All your donations are tax-deductible (we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit).
To find out how you can help write to help@ipump.org or visit us at www.ipump.org.
Here is a letter from Brooke’s mother.
Dear Lahle,
It would be an honor for you to have Brooke on your website and you can be as specific as you need to be. I told Brooke that you wanted her to be on your website so that maybe when they see how happy she is with her bears, other people who had resources would help children with diabetes, she was very excited when I told her this. You have also found a way to make me feel like we are helping other children who are in our situation even though I do not have a way to help financially, telling Brooke’s story and showing how the generous contributions of others effects the families who receive the supplies. If you need any more pictures, feel free to email me. We want to help in anyway we can.
You have no idea how much your organization has helped me and my family in a very trying time. You have not only lifted a huge burden off my shoulders, you have put a smile on Brooke’s face…one that I haven’t seen in a while. Brooke wanted me to ask if your daughter could send a picture, and that maybe they could become email pals. I think it would be great if Brooke could see that there are other kids who have diabetes and she is not the only one.
Thank you very much Lahle…(how do you hide your wings?)…You are the angel I prayed for.
Holly