Comments for iPump, Inc. http://www.ipump.org/blog a (501(c)(3) charity with a heart Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:06:00 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 Comment on Why We Are No Longer Accepting Medtronic Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies by ZEEK101 http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/08/08/why-we-are-no-longer-accepting-medtronic-insulin-pumps-and-pump-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-85 ZEEK101 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:06:00 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/20#comment-85 Pumps were never the magic bullet. Too bad shots have been around for how long and yet still diabetes is growing and most of us are uncontrolled. I love my pump! It works great! My MD always knows where I'm at and doesnt have to play the 20 question game. I will wear a pump until there's a cure. Pumps were never the magic bullet. Too bad shots have been around for how long and yet still diabetes is growing and most of us are uncontrolled. I love my pump! It works great! My MD always knows where I’m at and doesnt have to play the 20 question game. I will wear a pump until there’s a cure.

]]> Comment on An Update About Medtronic’s Recalled Infusion Sets by Mitch http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/10/07/an-update-about-medtronics-recalled-infusion-sets/comment-page-1/#comment-84 Mitch Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:40:42 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/?p=335#comment-84 I strongly disagree with what Medtronic states above. My husband went through countless infusion sets and even a pump replacement & still received "No Delivery." We spoke with many Medtronic technicians who put it on our human error. He struggled with episodes of no delivery, & low blood sugar. Finally, we were informed of the recall. Medtronic is not fully disclosing that patients have been adversely affected and had been calling about no delivery issues. I was told that I wasn't the only person calling in with this issue. I don't doubt that their employees care about patients but to say that Metronic discovered this on their own is not being straight with the facts. I strongly disagree with what Medtronic states above. My husband went through countless infusion sets and even a pump replacement & still received “No Delivery.” We spoke with many Medtronic technicians who put it on our human error. He struggled with episodes of no delivery, & low blood sugar. Finally, we were informed of the recall. Medtronic is not fully disclosing that patients have been adversely affected and had been calling about no delivery issues. I was told that I wasn’t the only person calling in with this issue. I don’t doubt that their employees care about patients but to say that Metronic discovered this on their own is not being straight with the facts.

]]> Comment on Resource for Purchasing Cheap Diabetes Supplies by Tweets that mention Resource for Purchasing Cheap Diabetes Supplies | iPump, Inc. -- Topsy.com http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/10/25/resource-for-purchasing-cheap-diabetes-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-83 Tweets that mention Resource for Purchasing Cheap Diabetes Supplies | iPump, Inc. -- Topsy.com Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:09:47 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/?p=358#comment-83 [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ipump and Lahle Wolfe, Pre-diabetes.com. Pre-diabetes.com said: I just found this resource for buying cheap diabetes testing supplies from eBay seller with 100% positive feedback http://ow.ly/wv6D [...] [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ipump and Lahle Wolfe, Pre-diabetes.com. Pre-diabetes.com said: I just found this resource for buying cheap diabetes testing supplies from eBay seller with 100% positive feedback http://ow.ly/wv6D [...]

]]> Comment on How to Help iPump for Free! Raise Money and Awareness Without Spending a Dime by VNOHosting » How to Help iPump for Free! Raise Money and Awareness Without … http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/09/07/how-to-help-ipump-for-free-raise-money-and-awareness-without-spending-a-dime/comment-page-1/#comment-82 VNOHosting » How to Help iPump for Free! Raise Money and Awareness Without … Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:52:57 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/?p=293#comment-82 [...] posted here: How to Help iPump for Free! Raise Money and Awareness Without … This entry is filed under Email, Free Blog Provider. You can follow any responses to this entry [...] [...] posted here: How to Help iPump for Free! Raise Money and Awareness Without … This entry is filed under Email, Free Blog Provider. You can follow any responses to this entry [...]

]]> Comment on Why We Are No Longer Accepting Medtronic Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies by 21yearsdiabetic http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/08/08/why-we-are-no-longer-accepting-medtronic-insulin-pumps-and-pump-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-81 21yearsdiabetic Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:15:47 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/20#comment-81 I have, as my username suggests, been a Type 1 diabetic for over two decades, and have used two different companies' insulin pumps over the course of twelve and a half years (Disetronic, then Minimed). From 1996 until 2003, I used Disetronic pumps. In 2003, they were FDA recalled and banned for further sale in the U.S. due to several problems involving faulty batteries, piston rods, and waterproofing. At that time, I switched to a Minimed pump, and over the course of my six years with it, I experienced repeated problems with infusion sets and other mechanical features of the pump. Neither their toll-free help line nor the diabetes educators that I worked with, despite their best efforts, could find me a lasting solution to any of these problems. So now I take shots. Obviously this isn't the solution for which I was hoping, but I no longer experience severe hyperglycemic episodes due to mechanical malfunction, and my A1C results have improved dramatically. In conclusion, it's really sad that we've all been sold pumps as the magic bullet, which they wouldn't be even if they worked properly all the time. I commend iPump for their strong stance for their clients, and I thank you for the validation of a problem that I was at one time was convinced was mine alone. I have, as my username suggests, been a Type 1 diabetic for over two decades, and have used two different companies’ insulin pumps over the course of twelve and a half years (Disetronic, then Minimed). From 1996 until 2003, I used Disetronic pumps. In 2003, they were FDA recalled and banned for further sale in the U.S. due to several problems involving faulty batteries, piston rods, and waterproofing. At that time, I switched to a Minimed pump, and over the course of my six years with it, I experienced repeated problems with infusion sets and other mechanical features of the pump. Neither their toll-free help line nor the diabetes educators that I worked with, despite their best efforts, could find me a lasting solution to any of these problems.

So now I take shots. Obviously this isn’t the solution for which I was hoping, but I no longer experience severe hyperglycemic episodes due to mechanical malfunction, and my A1C results have improved dramatically. In conclusion, it’s really sad that we’ve all been sold pumps as the magic bullet, which they wouldn’t be even if they worked properly all the time. I commend iPump for their strong stance for their clients, and I thank you for the validation of a problem that I was at one time was convinced was mine alone.

]]> Comment on Why We Are No Longer Accepting Medtronic Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies by Lahle Wolfe http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/08/08/why-we-are-no-longer-accepting-medtronic-insulin-pumps-and-pump-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-80 Lahle Wolfe Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:22:49 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/20#comment-80 I am <em>thrilled </em>that you have an insulin pump to help you manage your diabetes. It is such a great tool for many people with diabetes to help them better manage their blood sugars - which we all know improves and extends the lives of people with diabetes. We want to get MORE pumps to people - not fewer. I have met with many Medtronic representatives, as well as those from other pump companies who use their employers' insulin pumps. The individual reps I have dealt with (trainers and CDEs, etc.) have all been caring, wonderful people. It is the corporate office that has been unresponsive and is now diverting their customer's dead insulin pumps to our organization and then refuses to repair or upgrade them. If Medtronic does not wish to recertify old pumps, I will not judge them - it is a business decision. However, they should not have these pumps sent to us. Medtronic should take them, and either give their customers a credit for returning them, or dispose of pumps they consider trash, properly. Unlike Medtronic, we do not have millions of dollars and medical device disposal costs us time and money we simply cannot afford. It is not only against the law, but it would be very dangerous to give donated pumps that have not been checked by Medtronic to people in need. Until Medtronic will extend their programs (pump warranties and recertifying used pumps) to indirect clients, we feel we simply cannot put our clients at risk. I strongly encourage all loyal Medtronic pumpers to write to Medtronic and ask that they open the same programs they offer those with insurance to those who do not have insurance. We never asked Medtronic for anything free - but it would be nice if they followed suit and waived the $495 "change of name in the data base" fee we paid and could not even get a new warranty or the existing warranty transferred. The fee simply changed the name in their data base to the pumps new owner. Unfortunately, Medtronic refuses to let those who did not pay $6,000 for a first pump, have access to their programs. If you feel Medtronic pumps are superior, <em>please </em>do contact them - tell <em>them </em>your thoughts. With the support of Medtronic pumpers, perhaps we can get them to open the door for less fortunate people, too. William A. Hawkins III, Chief Executive Officer/President, Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., 18000 Devonshire St., Northridge, CA 91325 Arthur D. Collins Jr. Executive Chairman, Medtronic Inc., Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., 18000 Devonshire St., Northridge, CA 91325 Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Lahle Wolfe CEO, iPump I am thrilled that you have an insulin pump to help you manage your diabetes. It is such a great tool for many people with diabetes to help them better manage their blood sugars – which we all know improves and extends the lives of people with diabetes. We want to get MORE pumps to people – not fewer.

I have met with many Medtronic representatives, as well as those from other pump companies who use their employers’ insulin pumps. The individual reps I have dealt with (trainers and CDEs, etc.) have all been caring, wonderful people. It is the corporate office that has been unresponsive and is now diverting their customer’s dead insulin pumps to our organization and then refuses to repair or upgrade them. If Medtronic does not wish to recertify old pumps, I will not judge them – it is a business decision. However, they should not have these pumps sent to us. Medtronic should take them, and either give their customers a credit for returning them, or dispose of pumps they consider trash, properly. Unlike Medtronic, we do not have millions of dollars and medical device disposal costs us time and money we simply cannot afford.

It is not only against the law, but it would be very dangerous to give donated pumps that have not been checked by Medtronic to people in need. Until Medtronic will extend their programs (pump warranties and recertifying used pumps) to indirect clients, we feel we simply cannot put our clients at risk.

I strongly encourage all loyal Medtronic pumpers to write to Medtronic and ask that they open the same programs they offer those with insurance to those who do not have insurance.

We never asked Medtronic for anything free – but it would be nice if they followed suit and waived the $495 “change of name in the data base” fee we paid and could not even get a new warranty or the existing warranty transferred. The fee simply changed the name in their data base to the pumps new owner.

Unfortunately, Medtronic refuses to let those who did not pay $6,000 for a first pump, have access to their programs. If you feel Medtronic pumps are superior, please do contact them – tell them your thoughts. With the support of Medtronic pumpers, perhaps we can get them to open the door for less fortunate people, too.

William A. Hawkins III, Chief Executive Officer/President, Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., 18000 Devonshire St., Northridge, CA 91325

Arthur D. Collins Jr. Executive Chairman, Medtronic Inc., Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., 18000 Devonshire St., Northridge, CA 91325

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Lahle Wolfe
CEO, iPump

]]> Comment on Why We Are No Longer Accepting Medtronic Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies by admin http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/08/08/why-we-are-no-longer-accepting-medtronic-insulin-pumps-and-pump-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-79 admin Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:07:49 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/20#comment-79 Thank you for your thoughtful comments. You make some very good points. J&J is a behemoth, but Animas, a separate corporation obtained by J&J still stands as a separate legal entity from J&J. As far as insulin pumps go, Medtronic has more than 80% of the market on pumps, in part, because they have been providing pumps for the longest period of time; in part because of their successful marketing campaigns. Animas pumps can lose IOB data if the battery is run completely dead. If a battery is removed (or goes dead) for more than a certain period of time Medtronic pumps also lose all their data. I do think it is a serious design flaw for Animas (their battery life meter does not show a decline in battery power as do the Smith's Medical Cozmo pumps and Medtronics offer low battery alarms, too). Pump users are told of the need to change batteries and it has not led to any known hospitalizations or deaths. (Note: Smith's bolus wizard did have a software glitch that did lead to reported injuries and a massive recall just before they went bankrupt.) I have used pumps from all three manufacturers and the IOB feature is somewhat subjective on all makes of pumps. It should be a guide - not a mindless calculator since so many factors affect how much insulin should be given. This is why all pumps have override features. iPump in no way suggested people should not use Medtronic insulin pumps (and we also have posted all Animas and Smith's recalls as well). Nor did we intend to suggest people on Medtronic pumps are at risk any more than on any other insulin pump. Our concern with Medtronic - and it is not misleading - is that they will not replace recalled pumps or supplies for us or for our clients. We believe it would be misleading to our wonderful donors to let them think that all their donations can be used. Items that we receive that have been recalled simply go into the trash. It would also be wrong for us to send pumps and supplies to people in need that, if recalled, they cannot get repaired or replaced as necessary. As stated in our blog post we do hope that we can develop a better relationship with Medtronic. But until we can be assured they will provide the same support to our clients that they do for those with insurance, we needed to make the difficult decision to not give their products away at this time. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. You make some very good points. J&J is a behemoth, but Animas, a separate corporation obtained by J&J still stands as a separate legal entity from J&J. As far as insulin pumps go, Medtronic has more than 80% of the market on pumps, in part, because they have been providing pumps for the longest period of time; in part because of their successful marketing campaigns.

Animas pumps can lose IOB data if the battery is run completely dead. If a battery is removed (or goes dead) for more than a certain period of time Medtronic pumps also lose all their data.

I do think it is a serious design flaw for Animas (their battery life meter does not show a decline in battery power as do the Smith’s Medical Cozmo pumps and Medtronics offer low battery alarms, too). Pump users are told of the need to change batteries and it has not led to any known hospitalizations or deaths. (Note: Smith’s bolus wizard did have a software glitch that did lead to reported injuries and a massive recall just before they went bankrupt.)

I have used pumps from all three manufacturers and the IOB feature is somewhat subjective on all makes of pumps. It should be a guide – not a mindless calculator since so many factors affect how much insulin should be given. This is why all pumps have override features.

iPump in no way suggested people should not use Medtronic insulin pumps (and we also have posted all Animas and Smith’s recalls as well). Nor did we intend to suggest people on Medtronic pumps are at risk any more than on any other insulin pump.

Our concern with Medtronic – and it is not misleading – is that they will not replace recalled pumps or supplies for us or for our clients. We believe it would be misleading to our wonderful donors to let them think that all their donations can be used. Items that we receive that have been recalled simply go into the trash. It would also be wrong for us to send pumps and supplies to people in need that, if recalled, they cannot get repaired or replaced as necessary.

As stated in our blog post we do hope that we can develop a better relationship with Medtronic. But until we can be assured they will provide the same support to our clients that they do for those with insurance, we needed to make the difficult decision to not give their products away at this time.

]]> Comment on Why We Are No Longer Accepting Medtronic Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies by ZEEK101 http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/08/08/why-we-are-no-longer-accepting-medtronic-insulin-pumps-and-pump-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-78 ZEEK101 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:03:45 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/20#comment-78 I have had multiple Medtronic pumps and I have loved everyone of them. I'm sure that Medtronic receives thousands of requests for free pumps, supplies, etc. Medtronic donates millions and millions of dollars each year. I'm disappointed at the stance you have taken. I will never wear another pump from a different company. Thanks to Medtronic I am in great shape and will live to see my grandchildren grow up. Have you ever been to Medtronic and seen the hundreds of diabetics who wear pumps? You should go and then re write your stance. I gurantee it will be different. I have had multiple Medtronic pumps and I have loved everyone of them. I’m sure that Medtronic receives thousands of requests for free pumps, supplies, etc. Medtronic donates millions and millions of dollars each year. I’m disappointed at the stance you have taken. I will never wear another pump from a different company. Thanks to Medtronic I am in great shape and will live to see my grandchildren grow up. Have you ever been to Medtronic and seen the hundreds of diabetics who wear pumps? You should go and then re write your stance. I gurantee it will be different.

]]> Comment on Why We Are No Longer Accepting Medtronic Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies by cpumper http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/08/08/why-we-are-no-longer-accepting-medtronic-insulin-pumps-and-pump-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-77 cpumper Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:09:08 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/20#comment-77 I just would like to point out that Medtronic is not a pharmaceutical company; they are a device company. We need to keep in mind that Medtronic is not the only Goliath company out there. Animas is owned by Johnson & Johnson, an even larger corporation than Medtronic. Animas has some major flaws in quality for which there are still no reports or recalls. For example, notice what happens to your IOB with the Ping when the battery is removed and reinserted. IOB is lost!!!! There was never a recall on this. Can you imagine taking a correction bolus with a pump that does not considering the IOB after the battery is changed!!! Scary!!!!! I'll take my chances with Medtronic. They have been very very good to me, my family, and my patients!!!!! I think that ipump is totally misleading people about Medtronic. I just would like to point out that Medtronic is not a pharmaceutical company; they are a device company. We need to keep in mind that Medtronic is not the only Goliath company out there. Animas is owned by Johnson & Johnson, an even larger corporation than Medtronic. Animas has some major flaws in quality for which there are still no reports or recalls. For example, notice what happens to your IOB with the Ping when the battery is removed and reinserted. IOB is lost!!!! There was never a recall on this. Can you imagine taking a correction bolus with a pump that does not considering the IOB after the battery is changed!!! Scary!!!!! I’ll take my chances with Medtronic. They have been very very good to me, my family, and my patients!!!!! I think that ipump is totally misleading people about Medtronic.

]]> Comment on BYETTA May Be Causing Pancreatitis and Death by BYETTA May Be Causing Pancreatitis and Death | iPump, Inc. | FDA Warnings on popular drugs! http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/10/16/byetta-may-be-causing-pancreatitis-and-death/comment-page-1/#comment-76 BYETTA May Be Causing Pancreatitis and Death | iPump, Inc. | FDA Warnings on popular drugs! Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:22:31 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/?p=50#comment-76 [...] FDA ALERT [10/2007]: FDA has reviewed 30 postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking Byetta, a drug used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. An association between Byetta and acute pancreatitis is suspected in some ... See the original post here: BYETTA May Be Causing Pancreatitis and Death | iPump, Inc. [...] [...] FDA ALERT [10/2007]: FDA has reviewed 30 postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking Byetta, a drug used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. An association between Byetta and acute pancreatitis is suspected in some … See the original post here: BYETTA May Be Causing Pancreatitis and Death | iPump, Inc. [...]

]]> Comment on Why We Are No Longer Accepting Medtronic Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies by admin http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/08/08/why-we-are-no-longer-accepting-medtronic-insulin-pumps-and-pump-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-74 admin Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:13:38 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/20#comment-74 Thank you for your support! I read your blog and was pleased to see that your own blog visitors seem to support our difficult decision. I realize that this is a David vs Goliath situation and it is unlikely Medtronic will care we are disassociating from them. But perhaps others will follow our example and a collective voice will grow helping to effect positive change. ERISA preemption is bad enough for consumers, but when we realized that there were other preemption issues regarding faulty medical devices, which includes insulin pumps, we felt this was a necessary decision to ensure the safety and best interest of our clients. We strongly believe that the needy diabetic population deserves quality care, not second-hand junk. Again, thank you for your support and for spreading the word. Kind regards, Lahle Wolfe CEO, iPump Thank you for your support! I read your blog and was pleased to see that your own blog visitors seem to support our difficult decision.

I realize that this is a David vs Goliath situation and it is unlikely Medtronic will care we are disassociating from them. But perhaps others will follow our example and a collective voice will grow helping to effect positive change.

ERISA preemption is bad enough for consumers, but when we realized that there were other preemption issues regarding faulty medical devices, which includes insulin pumps, we felt this was a necessary decision to ensure the safety and best interest of our clients.

We strongly believe that the needy diabetic population deserves quality care, not second-hand junk.

Again, thank you for your support and for spreading the word.

Kind regards,

Lahle Wolfe
CEO, iPump

]]> Comment on Why We Are No Longer Accepting Medtronic Insulin Pumps and Pump Supplies by Jaynesday http://www.ipump.org/blog/2009/08/08/why-we-are-no-longer-accepting-medtronic-insulin-pumps-and-pump-supplies/comment-page-1/#comment-73 Jaynesday Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:45:44 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/20#comment-73 I commend you for your stance on Medtronic. We all need to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, especially because of the high level of trust we place in them. For discussions on your actions see the blog - http://pharmalittle.blogspot.com/2009/08/diabetes-charitable-group-dumps.html I commend you for your stance on Medtronic. We all need to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, especially because of the high level of trust we place in them.

For discussions on your actions see the blog – http://pharmalittle.blogspot.com/2009/08/diabetes-charitable-group-dumps.html

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by sara http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-71 sara Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:31:53 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-71 It’s truly inspiring what you have done in such a short time. I can only imagine the time you have to spend to keep all this together and growing. I'm a Type II who's just about to lose her job and while I'm not in any immediate personal financial trouble, the cost of funding the "habit" will certainly be a burden. I came across your site though 2diabetes.com while I was researching my own blog noted above. I started the blog because I had found a company that claimed to recycle test strips for the uninsured. What they really mean by that is they offer to buy spare strips from insured diabetics and then sell those on the open market to buyers who presumably have no insurance themselves. It seems like a great idea, but your site says it may be illegal to do that if the strips originally came from a private patient prescription. It’s certainly not illegal, as you say in your site, to sell strips that were purchased over the counter and then sold on to you. Here’s an idea to make your cash donations go further and help more uninsured diabetics in the process. You can actually buy people’s spare strips at knockdown prices. I’ve seen many ads in local papers and Google that offer $10 for a box of 100 strips. Depending on the type of strip, you can make $30 to $60 selling those strips via Craigslist or Ebay or any number of other online outlets. That means if you had a cash donation of $200 you could buy 20 boxes of strips, sell them for net profits after costs of between $600 and $1000. You’ve now helped two sets of diabetics; those who are uninsured but can afford to pay have had their monthly bill reduced by buying your strips, and those who can’t afford strips have a bigger pot of money for you to buy their supplies with, increasing your numbers accordingly. If Capitalism works so well for the medical supply and insurance industries, I can’t see why we can’t make it work just as well for non-profits. Keep up the good work. I hope you get AC in your new digs in CA! It’s truly inspiring what you have done in such a short time. I can only imagine the time you have to spend to keep all this together and growing.
I’m a Type II who’s just about to lose her job and while I’m not in any immediate personal financial trouble, the cost of funding the “habit” will certainly be a burden. I came across your site though 2diabetes.com while I was researching my own blog noted above.
I started the blog because I had found a company that claimed to recycle test strips for the uninsured. What they really mean by that is they offer to buy spare strips from insured diabetics and then sell those on the open market to buyers who presumably have no insurance themselves. It seems like a great idea, but your site says it may be illegal to do that if the strips originally came from a private patient prescription. It’s certainly not illegal, as you say in your site, to sell strips that were purchased over the counter and then sold on to you.
Here’s an idea to make your cash donations go further and help more uninsured diabetics in the process. You can actually buy people’s spare strips at knockdown prices. I’ve seen many ads in local papers and Google that offer $10 for a box of 100 strips. Depending on the type of strip, you can make $30 to $60 selling those strips via Craigslist or Ebay or any number of other online outlets. That means if you had a cash donation of $200 you could buy 20 boxes of strips, sell them for net profits after costs of between $600 and $1000. You’ve now helped two sets of diabetics; those who are uninsured but can afford to pay have had their monthly bill reduced by buying your strips, and those who can’t afford strips have a bigger pot of money for you to buy their supplies with, increasing your numbers accordingly. If Capitalism works so well for the medical supply and insurance industries, I can’t see why we can’t make it work just as well for non-profits.

Keep up the good work. I hope you get AC in your new digs in CA!

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by alphie http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-70 alphie Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:54:46 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-70 Thank you - I am a newly diagnosed type I diabetic at the age of 26. the diagnosis was a shock and then the costs started becoming a reality. I was not insured (still cannot afford prescription/supply insurance) and my family is not able to fund the supplies. I wanted the donors to know how very grateful I am (and my family). I know this first year would have been much worse if I hadn't received supplies from IPump. Thank you so much Thank you – I am a newly diagnosed type I diabetic at the age of 26. the diagnosis was a shock and then the costs started becoming a reality. I was not insured (still cannot afford prescription/supply insurance) and my family is not able to fund the supplies. I wanted the donors to know how very grateful I am (and my family). I know this first year would have been much worse if I hadn’t received supplies from IPump. Thank you so much

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by emilygriffith82 http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-52 emilygriffith82 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:55:37 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-52 I cannot even begin to express how much I appreciate the supplies that I received. I am a student and juvenile diabetic of almost 20 years. I have always had good insurance until I got sick a few years ago. I had to take go to a part time job and the insurance doesn't even cover prescriptions. I had surgery in January so money has been tight all year. Getting the box of supplies was truly a gift from God. I had run out of test strips several times this year and had to just pray that I could figure out a way to get some. Thank you so much for making this holiday season a little less stressful! Emily Griffith I cannot even begin to express how much I appreciate the supplies that I received. I am a student and juvenile diabetic of almost 20 years. I have always had good insurance until I got sick a few years ago. I had to take go to a part time job and the insurance doesn’t even cover prescriptions. I had surgery in January so money has been tight all year. Getting the box of supplies was truly a gift from God. I had run out of test strips several times this year and had to just pray that I could figure out a way to get some. Thank you so much for making this holiday season a little less stressful!
Emily Griffith

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by Julie Love Diabetics Assistance Program http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-50 Julie Love Diabetics Assistance Program Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:56:40 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-50 I want to personally thank Lahle Wolfe, Director of ipump.org, for recently shipping to us more diabetic supplies. These items will be added to all of the other supplies donated locally and will eventually find their way to needy diabetics here in Michigan and across the United States. Again, these days it is so very hard to get people and corporations to donate money and equipment for adult persons with diabetes having very little health insurance or money! Thank you so much Lahle from the bottom of my heart. Kenneth R. Pritz - Executive Director, The Julie Love Assistance Program For Diabetics, Inc. I want to personally thank Lahle Wolfe, Director of ipump.org, for recently shipping to us more diabetic supplies. These items will be added to all of the other supplies donated locally and will eventually find their way to needy diabetics here in Michigan and across the United States. Again, these days it is so very hard to get people and corporations to donate money and equipment for adult persons with diabetes having very little health insurance or money! Thank you so much Lahle from the bottom of my heart. Kenneth R. Pritz – Executive Director, The Julie Love Assistance Program For Diabetics, Inc.

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by dmfowler http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-49 dmfowler Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:03:40 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-49 Thank you for the much needed supplies, with my husband out of work for two years,things are more than little tight. Thank you agian, I feel that angels must be watching over me. Keep up the good work it is much appreciated. dm fowler Thank you for the much needed supplies, with my husband out of work for two years,things are more than little tight. Thank you agian, I feel that angels must be watching over me. Keep up the good work it is much appreciated. dm fowler

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by joyce http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-48 joyce Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:14:05 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-48 I just received my supplies. It was like opening a Christmas present. I can not thank you enough. Your organization is wonderful. Your donors and sponors are a blessing. I just received my supplies. It was like opening a Christmas present. I can not thank you enough. Your organization is wonderful. Your donors and sponors are a blessing.

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by roseliap http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-47 roseliap Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:07:31 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-47 I would like to thank everyone at ipump.org who has made it possible for me to get the insulin pump supplies I needed. I was literally at the end of my rope, wonderding how I was going to get these supplies considering I no longer have any health insurance to help pay for the supplies. I heard about your website by means of needymeds.com. After completing the application and waiting for a couple of weeks, I learned that I had been approved. All I could say was Thank You Jesus for making a way out of no way. I pray that God will continue to allow donations to come to your company, so that you can continue being a blessing to people like myself. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, AND I PRAY GOD'S BLESSINGS OVER YOUR COMPANY. RPAIGE IN SOUTH CAROLINA I would like to thank everyone at ipump.org who has made it possible for me to get the insulin pump supplies I needed. I was literally at the end of my rope, wonderding how I was going to get these supplies considering I no longer have any health insurance to help pay for the supplies. I heard about your website by means of needymeds.com. After completing the application and waiting for a couple of weeks, I learned that I had been approved. All I could say was Thank You Jesus for making a way out of no way. I pray that God will continue to allow donations to come to your company, so that you can continue being a blessing to people like myself. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, AND I PRAY GOD’S BLESSINGS OVER YOUR COMPANY.

RPAIGE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by grateful http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-45 grateful Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:36:17 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-45 Dear Lahle Wolfe & Ipump, September 2, 2008 Thank you so much for being a Angel on earth. I was at my end of me rope. I had been to the point of reusing all of my syringes at least three to four times a week because I just could not afford to buy the supplies I needed. At time I would use my grocery money to pay for the test strips I needed. Thank you so much for the supplies that you will be sending me. Back in 2003 I had a mild heart attack and needed a double bypass. I was laid up for almost six months during this time I lost my job and my insurance. I also found out that I had become a full blow diabetic. I had to use my retirement money to help pay for my medical expenses and keep up with all my other bills. I had no ideal what I was to do. Then one day I said to myself there has to be someone out there that could help. So I started to search on the Internet and I found iPump.org Even though you may not know it, your generosity and kind approval letter have meant a lot. You are a source of encouragement, and the stepping stone I was searching for. Thank you and the Board of Directors for all your help and enlightenment in humanity. I hope one day I can return the favor. Sincerely, Stephen Sandoval Dear Lahle Wolfe & Ipump, September 2, 2008

Thank you so much for being a Angel on earth. I was at my end of me rope. I had been to the point of reusing all of my syringes at least three to four times a week because I just could not afford to buy the supplies I needed. At time I would use my grocery money to pay for the test strips I needed. Thank you so much for the supplies that you will be sending me.

Back in 2003 I had a mild heart attack and needed a double bypass. I was laid up for almost six months during this time I lost my job and my insurance. I also found out that I had become a full blow diabetic. I had to use my retirement money to help pay for my medical expenses and keep up with all my other bills. I had no ideal what I was to do.

Then one day I said to myself there has to be someone out there that could help. So I started to search on the Internet and I found iPump.org Even though you may not know it, your generosity and kind approval letter have meant a lot. You are a source of encouragement, and the stepping stone I was searching for. Thank you and the Board of Directors for all your help and enlightenment in humanity.

I hope one day I can return the favor.

Sincerely,
Stephen Sandoval

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by Jason http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-43 Jason Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:32:05 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-43 Dear Lahle, Thanks for all the great work you do. We have received the microlancing devices and will be able to distribute them to our patients who cannot afford to buy them. Congratulations on your expansion! Gratefully, Jason Dear Lahle,
Thanks for all the great work you do. We have received the microlancing devices and will be able to distribute them to our patients who cannot afford to buy them. Congratulations on your expansion!
Gratefully, Jason

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by Anonymous http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-17 Anonymous Tue, 06 May 2008 03:53:58 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-17 Lahle, You are a most gracious and wonderful person. Thank you from the depths of our patients' hearts! We look forward to receiving our supplies. Again, thank you. Daria Lahle,

You are a most gracious and wonderful person. Thank you from the depths of our patients’ hearts! We look forward to receiving our supplies. Again, thank you.

Daria

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by Anonymous http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-19 Anonymous Fri, 02 May 2008 03:58:21 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-19 i just wanted to thank you so very much for your help....with every thing!so thanks again,your wonderful,and i do not know what i would of done with out your help,it helped me so very much because i was having to choose to care for myself or my 3 children...and you helped me with that for the time being!!!!!!!THANKS Wendy i just wanted to thank you so very much for your help….with every thing!so thanks again,your wonderful,and i do not know what i would of done with out your help,it helped me so very much because i was having to choose to care for myself or my 3 children…and you helped me with that for the time being!!!!!!!THANKS Wendy

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by mail4brown http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-14 mail4brown Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:05:17 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-14 I have not been testing my levels ,as I am suppose to because the test strips and other supplies are just to expensive. Now, with your generous donation I can now do this.I can not say thank you enough. I have not been testing my levels ,as I am suppose to because the test strips and other supplies are just to expensive. Now, with your generous donation I can now do this.I can not say thank you enough.

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by Anonymous http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-18 Anonymous Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:55:08 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-18 Ms. Wolfe, I just can’t say enough to express our appreciation for the help that your company has provided. The supplies have been a great help. Caitlyn loves the quilt, book, and other extra goodies that you sent. May God bless you and your company for the wonderful things you do for those that need help. Thanks, (name withheld) Caitlyn’s Mother Ms. Wolfe,

I just can’t say enough to express our appreciation for the help that your company has provided. The supplies have been a great help. Caitlyn loves the quilt, book, and other extra goodies that you sent. May God bless you and your company for the wonderful things you do for those that need help.

Thanks,

(name withheld)
Caitlyn’s Mother

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by bitt222002 http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-8 bitt222002 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:54:45 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-8 Thank you so much for the supplies that you will be sending me. i was really glad to get the letter saying that you could help me. i was on your program a few years ago and you really helped me then to. it is really hard when you have no insurance nor income because you are trying to get on disabilty. thank you for the help and thank you to everyone that has made this program avaliable for everyone in the world.I hope I can return the favor someday. I feel so blessed to find this organization. Thanks again. Stephanie Jones In Dickson Tennessee Thank you so much for the supplies that you will be sending me. i was really glad to get the letter saying that you could help me. i was on your program a few years ago and you really helped me then to. it is really hard when you have no insurance nor income because you are trying to get on disabilty. thank you for the help and thank you to everyone that has made this program avaliable for everyone in the world.I hope I can return the favor someday. I feel so blessed to find this organization. Thanks again. Stephanie Jones In Dickson Tennessee

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by jbarnwell http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-7 jbarnwell Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:53:57 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-7 I am so greatful for the pump supplies. It was so wonderful to get the letter in the mail saying you all could help me. Money is very tight, especially in the winter. Thanks to all the donors. I hope I can return the favor someday. I feel so blesses to find this organization. Thanks again. Jennifer in TN I am so greatful for the pump supplies. It was so wonderful to get the letter in the mail saying you all could help me. Money is very tight, especially in the winter. Thanks to all the donors. I hope I can return the favor someday. I feel so blesses to find this organization. Thanks again.
Jennifer in TN

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by Anonymous http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-4 Anonymous Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:23:36 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-4 i just wanted to thank you so very much for your help....with every thing! so thanks again,your wonderful,and i do not know what i would of done with out your help,it helped me so very much because i was having to choose to care for myself or my 3 children...and you helped me with that for the time being!!!!!!!THANKS Wendy in Oregon i just wanted to thank you so very much for your help….with every thing! so thanks again,your wonderful,and i do not know what i would of done with out your help,it helped me so very much because i was having to choose to care for myself or my 3 children…and you helped me with that for the time being!!!!!!!THANKS

Wendy in Oregon

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by VICKYBG http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-3 VICKYBG Sat, 16 Feb 2008 05:11:12 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-3 Thank you so much for the supplies that you will be sending me. I was so happy to get your letter today.. God bless you and your organation. These supplies are much needed seeing that all I ever do is pinch pennys and never have enough to go around. Hopefully someday I can volunteer to help such a great cause. Vicky, San Bernardino, Ca. Thank you so much for the supplies that you will be sending me. I was so happy to get your letter today.. God bless you and your organation. These supplies are much needed seeing that all I ever do is pinch pennys and never have enough to go around.
Hopefully someday I can volunteer to help such a great cause.
Vicky, San Bernardino, Ca.

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by Janelle http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-2 Janelle Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:57:41 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-2 I just wanted to say thanks to Ipump, Lahle Wolfe and her group for a spectacular service. I lost my job after 26 years of exemplary service in 2003. Their words not mine. Anyway it was due to health problems, partially caused from my diabetes. I went through my savings, 401K and ended up selling my home and anything in it that had any worth just to cover my health costs that weren't covered by the insurance that I had. Once the money was gone, So was my home, insurance and my health went downhill rapidly. Still waiting on Social Security and State assistance just to cover food and my health costs. I found Ipump through my Homeless Outreach case worker. What a God send. Ipump has assisted me with things that are not covered through Prescription Assistance Programs, like my testing supplies and insulin syringes. It has made this part of my life again manageable. I don't know what I would do without them. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Janelle, Denver,Colorado I just wanted to say thanks to Ipump, Lahle Wolfe and her group for a spectacular service. I lost my job after 26 years of exemplary service in 2003. Their words not mine. Anyway it was due to health problems, partially caused from my diabetes. I went through my savings, 401K and ended up selling my home and anything in it that had any worth just to cover my health costs that weren’t covered by the insurance that I had. Once the money was gone, So was my home, insurance and my health went downhill rapidly. Still waiting on Social Security and State assistance just to cover food and my health costs. I found Ipump through my Homeless Outreach case worker. What a God send. Ipump has assisted me with things that are not covered through Prescription Assistance Programs, like my testing supplies and insulin syringes. It has made this part of my life again manageable. I don’t know what I would do without them. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Janelle, Denver,Colorado

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by admin http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-22 admin Wed, 08 Aug 2007 04:10:50 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-22 WE GOT IT!!! YEA, GAIL IS SOOOOO HAPPY! She has taken it to both grandma’s to show them, put it on her bed, carries it all over the house, sits on it while watching TV, rolls up in it to pretend shes camping, and all of that in only the 2 days we’ve had it! I’ll take a couple of pictures tonight for you- it is gorgeous!!!! Thank you SO much. Trish & Gail M. in Canada WE GOT IT!!! YEA, GAIL IS SOOOOO HAPPY! She has taken it to both grandma’s to show them, put it on her bed, carries it all over the house, sits on it while watching TV, rolls up in it to pretend shes camping, and all of that in only the 2 days we’ve had it!
I’ll take a couple of pictures tonight for you- it is gorgeous!!!! Thank you SO much.

Trish & Gail M. in Canada

]]> Comment on Post a Thank You by admin http://www.ipump.org/blog/2007/12/20/post-a-thank-you/comment-page-1/#comment-21 admin Mon, 11 Jun 2007 04:07:28 +0000 http://www.ipump.org/blog/archives/9#comment-21 Hi Lahle, I just wanted to write to say thank you for all of your help in such a rough period in our lives! I was really in a panic and you came through for us. We have had a wonderful change of insurance. All of Drew’s supplies are covered at 100%- we just have to pay for prescription copays now. I wanted to let you know, not only to thank you, but thinking that this might free up some funds for someone who needs it now. Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend! I hope you are all well. Best wishes and with gratitude, Betsy S. Hi Lahle,

I just wanted to write to say thank you for all of your help in such a rough period in our lives! I was really in a panic and you came through for us.

We have had a wonderful change of insurance. All of Drew’s supplies are covered at 100%- we just have to pay for prescription copays now. I wanted to let you know, not only to thank you, but thinking that this might free up some funds for someone who needs it now.

Thank you again and have a wonderful weekend! I hope you are all well.

Best wishes and with gratitude,
Betsy S.

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