- Where do you live?
- Asheville, NC
- What Makes You Laugh
- Dawson, my 8 year old son, who has Type 1 Diabetes. . He's such a happy, smart, friendly, funny,...super goofy boy. He loves life, and is forever making us laugh. What makes Dawson laugh ? Just about anything !
- Favorite Sports Team
- FOOTBALL ! Greenbay Packers. My boys love sports. They play football, basketball, soccer & tennis. And of course they love to swim.
- What Helps You Get Through
- Prayer... I've learned to rely on God 100%. I wouldn't be able to do this otherwise.
- Favorite Meal
- colby cheese & whole wheat crackers.
- Helpful Resources
- Asheville doesn't have a JDRF, and I think it's crucial to have that support. Thankfully, I 've found a support group ( through a friend ) of about 8 families. The mom's get together once a month for lunch. We'll be getting all of our families together for a BBQ next month. It's important for children with type 1 to be around other kids with type 1, simply so they don't feel alone. And all of our kids are going to camp together in June.
- Date Diagnosed
- February 10, 2011
- Question for Everyone
What pump do you use ?
In the PKD Forum Pumping: Many of our children use insulin pumps and some are also using continuous glucose monitors (CGM's). "Pumping" is a great method of insulin delivery, yet it's not without issues. For those considering it, questions, choices and obstacles abound. Stop by and let's talk about "pumping"!
- Diabetes Camp
Dawson will be attending Camp Coqui in Hendersonville, NC this summer.
- Vacation
- Our favorite type of family vacation would be the beach, more specifically St.Pete Beach in Florida ( where we're from ). We have yet to go on vacation since Dawson's been diagnosed, but we're planning a trip this summer.
- Question For Team
I'm researching insulin pumps right now. Dawson will be able to get one in August. My husband & I are having such a hard time deciding which one to go with. He wants tubeless, but I'm not convinced with the reviews I've read on the Omnipod. He plays a lot of sports. Any suggestions? See the answer
- Question For Us
What pump do you prefer ?
Both our 10 year olds use Animas. See my comment below, Natalie
- What Do You Think
- Although my heart is broken & I hate diabetes.....I had no idea just how smart, strong, & independent my son was, until he was diagnosed with type 1. He is 8 years old, he checks his own bg's, injects himself, counts carbs. ( with my husband or I right there of course ) and NEVER complains. He amazes & inspires me everday
Family of the Week
The Skinner Family
8 Comments on “The Skinner Family”
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Natalie Jun 8, 2011 (12 months ago)We have always used Animas. Our daughter was dx at 4 and began pumping less than a year later. Since she was so little she needed really small doses of insulin. We still keep our eye on the omnipod. JoJo is now very active into sports and the tubeless option is so tempting :)
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Robin Cacopardo Jun 7, 2011 (12 months ago)My daughter just started using the Medtronic Paradigm Revel May 24....she was diagnosed Dec. 20, 2010. We are very happy with this pump...Kate is very athletic and loves to swim...suspending the pump is easy. She starts the CGM later this month. We do have a JDRF for East TN here in Knoxville....maybe you could join that one! P.S. We are Cheeseheads!
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Gillian Coykendall Jun 2, 2011 (12 months ago)My daughter (10) has used the Medtronic minimed paradigm for 6 years and has had good luck with it. The software is easy to use and helps you make adjustments. Additionally, the continuous glucose option is a bonus even if you only use it sometimes. My son (12) decided to try out the Animas ping because it is waterproof. The screen is easier to read and the alerts are a lot louder which is beneficial for kids who ignore alerts. Additionally, I like the ability to remotely bolus so you don't have to pull out the pump each time. He wears the pump in a holder around his waist so the tubing doesn't hang out.
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Pamela Vincze May 26, 2011 (12 months ago)We use the Medtronic Minimed Paradigm pump. Our son started using the pump at age 5 and has been pumping for almost 2 years now. We have not had any problems with the pump. Medtronic has always been helpful when we have had questions and concerns. We live in Ontario Canada and all of our pump supplies and pump have come at no cost to us. Life on the pump has been fantastic and has allowed our son to be very independent with his diabetes management.
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Amy May 26, 2011 (12 months ago)Our daughter is 6 and has been pumping for over 5 years. We have the Minimed Revel and LOVE it. We use the integrated CGMS as well and love that it is all together in one unit.
We also have an Omnipod and use if more for swimming. We prefer the software and options of the Revel for daily use, even with a tube! :)
Most people like the system they use, so your best bet is to contact reps from all the companies you are interested in and play with each pump. Really think about what features matter the most to you and go with your gut. :)
Good luck!
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Tracy Chabrier May 26, 2011 (12 months ago)My 12 year old son, Steven, uses the Animas Ping. He's had it for just over a year and we all LOVE IT. Good luck!
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C. Dawson May 25, 2011 (12 months ago)Thanks for sharing. Our three year old daughter was diagnosed at 18mos...what a disease--my goodness. God's goodness and grace overflows in the midst of it though doesn't it? My faith and prayer help get me through too, just knowing that God is sovereign...I keep reminding myself of that when I get sad and wonder why.
We do not use a pump. It will cost us $6000 b/c we do not have medical coverage. She is doing pretty good on levemir 2x/day and novorapid as needed.
All the very best to you and your beautiful family! -
Kathy Johnson May 24, 2011 (12 months ago)My 12 yr. old son was diagnosed Jan. 28,2010 and got the OmniPod system last November. After a few issues, we are smooth sailing with it. It's so small that it's really invisible. He likes to wear it on his leg and stomach and it has made our life with diabetes much easier. Basically you just "point and shoot" to get the bolus. I was concerned about a 12 yr. old boy keeping up with the PDM but so far has not been a problem. Changing of the pod every 3 days takes us about 5 mins. We have a friend who has the Medronics pump and they are happy with that also. We just didn't want to deal with the tubing. Six months into pumping with the Omnipod system, I'd say we are really happy with it's features and the ease of using it.
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