Solutions for a Healthier Community: Jessica Ramirez
What Happens When a Child is Born with a Life-Threatening Chronic Disease?
Since her birth 18 years ago Jessica Ramirez has battled every day just to breathe normally. Jessica has cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults.
Since undergoing emergency life-saving surgery shortly after she was born, Jessica has spent so much time in and out of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital that she and her parents consider the hospital staff part of their extended family.
What happens when technology helps a child manage his diabetes?
Sam Venema is always on the move. He is active in sports such as soccer, baseball and golf, as well as Tang Soo Do, a martial art form. Sam likes to make forts, draw, and sew quilts and pillows. You wouldn’t know there is anything different about eight-year old Sam and that’s just the way he likes it. Thanks to his insulin pump, Sam can play with friends at their homes and stay overnight, because his pump helps him manage his diabetes.