Diabetes School Care in Pennsylvania

Rob O’Donnell is nothing short of a hero for his community and his family. Working as a New York City Police Detective, Rob was injured in the line of duty. Shortly after he and his family moved to Pennsylvania. There were more challenging days ahead as six years later, his six year old daughter Kayle was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

Kayle’s diagnosis was very unexpected but, the O’Donnells had encountered difficult circumstances before and they were determined to help manage Kayle’s disease. Only a few months after Kayle’s diagnosis, Rob received a call from Kayle’s school — Kayle had a health emergency. "We were all new to diabetes," said Rob. "So the call was eventually expected, but the school’s response was not."

Kayle let her teacher know that she was feeling "wobbly," and she was sent to the nurse. However, the school nurse was not present and the secretary decided to send Kayle back to class. Fortunately, the secretary notified Rob’s wife Lisa, who immediately rushed to the school. When Lisa arrived at the school office, panic set in as Kayle was nowhere to be found. Finally, they found Kayle still conscious, but pale and lethargic. Her blood glucose was at 21.

This ordeal is every parent’s worst fear and the O’Donnell family decided to act to ensure that this never happened again. "Angry would be an understatement." said Rob. "But rather than yell and point fingers, I chose to become informed."

The O’Donnell family learned about the importance of planning ahead, and of having a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) and a 504 plan in place. Rob also became involved with ADA’s Safe at School Campaign, in an effort to make sure that school staffs are better informed about how they can help students with diabetes. He has addressed his district school board, school personnel, and local media, providing information and materials about diabetes management plans, 504 plans, and emergency diabetes care.

Rob has also assisted in ADA’s efforts to pass legislation in Pennsylvania that would ensure better care for students with diabetes. This legislation would provide diabetes care training to school personnel and allow for diabetes self-management for students who are capable of doing so. He has contacted state legislators, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, and the Governor, to tell them Kayle’s story and make them aware of the need for this law.

"My anger refocused into action and advocacy." said Rob. "As long as Kayle has diabetes is as long as I will be there fighting for her."