LOUISA Brooks, is just like any other young woman and she’s out to make a difference in the world.
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Like many in Australia, she has Type 1 Diabetes and she’s asking the government for its help.
Louisa, who recently spoke infront of Federal Parliament in Canberra, is seeking government funding along with the Danii Meads Barlow Foundation (DANII Foundation), for people who cannot afford the $5000 Continous Glucose Monitor.
The Continuous Glucose Monitor is a new piece of technology that not only enables Type 1 sufferers to avoid finger pricks and constant checking of levels but also enhances their quality of life.
“I had my first full night sleep in 21 years when I got the machine four months ago which means it was the first night’s sleep my parents had too,” Louisa said.
“I was lucky that my parents could afford it.
“The DANII Foundation asked me to speak in parliament and push for the government to subsidise such an initiative so I am.”
The benefits for many would be enormous. Should the government come to the table, Type 1 sufferers in remote outlying areas would benefit greatly avoiding potentially life-threatening situations in the abscence of medical facilities and professionals.
“A farmer who is three hours from the nearest hospital will greatly benefit from the technology,” Louisa said.
“People across the country need to be able to access this monitor and we hope health minister Sussan Ley will get on board especially since her electorate is also rural as well.
“In the four months since I bought mine, my quality of life is so much better as I no longer have to wake throughout the night to do tests or injections,” she said.
“It has removed a lot of anxiety and stress for my whole family who for many years were worried every night when I went to bed that I may not wake up.”
The former Bathurst CSU student, along with the DANII Foundation, have been beating on the doors of regional MPs lobbying for support for subsidies of the machine.
While nothing has been resolved yet, it won’t stop the momentum already built and the hard work continuing.
“We really need this device,” Louisa said.
“It can save lives and I have no doubt wouldve saved many had it been available earlier.
“A lot of people have it and have had to manage however this machine makes it so much easier and so much better.”
THE DANII Foundation was founded by Donna Meads-Barlow, whose daughter, Danii, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was only five years old.
Despite having to prick her finger several times a day, to take her blood glucose (sugar) levels, and have several daily injections of insulin (and later manage her insulin pump), this talented young lady led a full, action packed life.
She was extremely popular and excelled in many things. A very talented singer – she was a leader of the Australian Girls Choir and had aspirations to make singing a career.
Sadly all her dreams were shattered on November 8, 2011 when Danii lost her life as a consequence of Diabetes Mellitus. She went to bed a happy, beautiful teenager and never woke up.
She was just 17 years old and had everything to live for.
This trauma can be avoided and the Danii Meads Barlow Foundation is determined to help stop another tragedy like Danii’s ever happening again in Australia.
As a legacy to Danii, the Danii Meads Barlow Foundation was created to help make a difference. Help prevent another parent going to wake up their child and finding they will never be able to wake them again.