From offering a hand up to building tomorrow's leaders, United Way of Baldwin County creates lasting change in our community.

At Summerdale School, fifth grader Lindsey Allen is eager to show her visitor how rapidly she can navigate the playground. Despite a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes 18-months ago, the ten-year old, petite blond moves from slide to monkey bars to jungle gym with ease.

And a grant from the Gulf Communities initiative of The Community Foundation of South Alabama to United Way of Baldwin County is about to make Lindsey’s life even easier. In September, The Community Foundation announced grants totaling more than $2 million to address the unmet needs of individuals, families, and children significantly affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and its aftermath. The grants were made possible by a contribution received from the Fund for Gulf Communities, a program of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

United Way of Baldwin County received funding for United Medical Partnership for Children, a program affording medical, dental and vision care to uninsured or underinsured Baldwin County public school children. Lindsey will receive an insulin pump, eliminating the need for up to four insulin shots per day.

“It will help manage my blood sugar and it’s easier to do sports and stuff that I love,” Lindsey said. “Like when I go to a sleepover, I won’t need help with my shots, I can just do it myself.”

Equipped with a healthy dose of curiosity and a desire to run, play softball and be a cheerleader, Lindsey learned about the pump by reading material she found in her doctor’s exam room. However, according to her mother, Serena Allen, a fourth grade teacher at Summerdale, even with health insurance, the expensive medical device seemed far out of reach. “Just the co-pays on prescriptions for insulin and test strips are $120 per month,” Serena said.

Other unforeseen circumstances added to the family’s monthly budget. Their homeowner’s insurance increased and Lindsey’s dad, Jason Allen underwent back surgery, creating additional medical expenses and forcing him to lose time at work. A school nurse identified Lindsey as a candidate for United Medical Partnership and referred the Allen’s to United Way.

From a medical standpoint, the pump comes at the right time. Though Lindsey pays careful attention to her diet, Serena said a recent visit to the doctor revealed Lindsey’s hemoglobin A1c, the test measuring blood sugar over a three-month period, is creeping upward, meaning her diabetes isn’t as tightly controlled as doctors would like. Unlike insulin shots, the pump will come closer to simulating how the body handles insulin; better managing Lindsey’s diabetes and reducing the risk for long-term complications.

“The doctors tell us this should help protect her kidneys and other organs that can be affected later in life by uncontrolled diabetes,” Serena explained.

The Allen’s say, they are grateful organizations such as The Community Foundation of South Alabama and United Way are providing assistance to Baldwin families. Truly a lifesaver, the assistance came at a time when they needed it most, allowing Lindsey to live an active, healthier childhood.

For more information about United Way of Baldwin County, visit www.uniteway-bc.org or call 251-943-2110.

About The Community Foundation of South Alabama
The Community Foundation of South Alabama is a nonprofit foundation that plays a key role in meeting the needs of South Alabama through leadership and grants. More than $60 million in grants have been awarded since 1976 by the Foundation to nonprofit organizations to support programs that make life better in our community. The Community Foundation builds lasting endowments to ensure grants are available to support the community forever.
For more information visit www.CommunityEndowment.com
Contact: Stephanie Ryan
Phone: 251-438-559