Meet Our CMN Hero – Liam!
Liam’s journey with Type 1 diabetes began in the fall of 2022 with a whirlwind of symptoms that quickly led to a diagnosis and admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Gundersen Health System. Despite the overwhelming nature of such a sudden and unexpected situation, Liam’s resilience shone through.
Amid a flurry of tests and procedures, he remained calm and even asked his mom, Kayla, to read a book to him through all the chaos. His sweetness and understanding during blood draws and insulin pokes were a true testament to his strength and is what makes him our Hero.
Liam’s three-day hospital stay following his diagnosis was an intense experience, but his Endocrinology team at Gundersen was there every step of the way, providing exceptional care and reassurance to Liam and his family.
Liam’s adaptability and willingness to learn about managing his condition is remarkable. He’s quickly mastered the skills needed to give himself insulin shots and calculate insulin doses. The introduction of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) has further improved daily life for Liam, providing real-time data and reducing the need for frequent finger pricks.
CMN Hospitals played a crucial role in supporting Liam’s journey by covering all his diabetic supplies for the first three months after his diagnosis and continuing to support these needs annually. They also provided meal vouchers and a gas card during hospitalization, easing the financial burden on his family traveling from Viroqua, Wis.
“As a parent, when your child has something happen to them, the medical expenses are a thought in the back of your mind; it’s a “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it’ moment,” says Kayla. “But CMN Hospitals meets you on that bridge to guide you through the help that’s available.”
Liam’s family has been a strong support system in his care journey. Liam loves to make them laugh, and he doesn’t let his diabetes get in the way of them enjoying the outdoors together, playing board games, riding 4-wheelers and hunting.
