Rachel “Rae” DiTella
Family and friends have come together to help a young woman in West Chicago, Illinois, who is suffering from complications of type 1 diabetes. They are now reaching out to others with a gofundme page, which seeks donations to help with overwhelming medical bills that continue to pile up from multiple surgeries and doctor visits.
Rachel “Rae” DiTella was just four-years-old when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Rae’s mom, Deb, will be the first to tell you that her daughter has always met challenges throughout her life with grace and courage and has never allowed her disease to stop her from pursuing her dreams. But now, at the age of 23, Rae has been dealt a devastating blow. Complications from her illness have caused her to lose her vision.
According to the American Diabetes Association, type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 cannot be avoided and is much more difficult to treat because the disease prevents the body from producing insulin.
The American Diabetes Association website details common symptoms and complications often observed with type 1 diabetes patients. One of the more severe complications is loss of vision. In Rae’s case, her retina detached in her left eye, and only two days later, her right eye hemorrhaged. Unfortunately, the damage caused has left her almost completely blind. She is currently only able to see shadows and bright lights.
Rae has had two surgeries to date in an attempt to reattach her retinas. Doctors are hopeful that these procedures will eventually help to improve her vision. All Rae and her family can do now is wait, pray, and hope for the best.
Rae’s family and friends are asking people to take a few minutes to view the gofundme page titled “Rae DiTella’s Fight For Sight” to learn more about her story. And if you are able, they are asking for donations to help manage expenses during this difficult time.
good read this, thanks