Todays' WEGO challenge is create the perfect care package for your members or fellow patients. I'll even tailor it to the newly diagnosed...things I/my daughters received/would've received at the initial diagnosis.
I think I would have to create two care packages.
One for the diabetic and one for the caregiver.
First off...if I could wrap up the BIGGEST hug ever and send it to each diabetic AND their caregiver... that would be the best care package ever!!
Those of you that know about the DOC (Diabetes Online Community) know that virtual ((hugs)) abound. And I know I can feel them just as sure as they are given and sometimes that's just what you need!
For the Caregiver care package:
- Resource packet with every website that has to deal with diabetes
- Diabetes blog list
- a local mentor so they know they are not alone (a mentor that can even come visit you in the hospital!! That would be awesome!! Someone who just gets it and what your going through!!)
- Calorie King book
- diabetes kit/bag (something to put and organize all the needles, alcohol swabs, insulin, test strips, blood glucose meter, low blood sugar supplies in)
- chill pill/oxygen/wine (because your ready to flip out with all this extra stuff they make you learn to keep your kid alive!)
- chocolate (why? It's chocolate...do I really need a reason?!)
- Blue shoes!!!!
For the Diabetic:
- Resource packet with every website that has to deal with diabetes (age appropriate/or if applicable)
- a local mentor that is their age...this is KEY!! Someone who could come in and talk to your child and they have T1D too!! Instant friends!
- diabetes alert ID bracelet...make them wear it IN the hospital so they wear it ALL the time
- assortment of low blood sugar options (juice, smarties, skittles, glucose tabs, etc)
- App that teaches them (age appropriately) what diabetes is and things they can expect in their new life
- journal/sketchbook to express their feelings about a new diagnosis
- Blue shoes!!!
Getting a new diagnosis is scary and so is having tons of information thrown at you all at once.
For me, getting the second diagnosis wasn't any easier or less heartbreaking but I knew what we were facing and I knew she would be okay.
Yes, some of these items are silly but what's the fun if we can't have fun with it, right?!?
Your turn, what would add to either of the care packages?
