A private school in West Chester, PA has asked a parent to disenroll her son after he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes because they don’t feel they can guarantee his safety.
It makes me so sad that something like this can happen now in 2007 when type 1 diabetes is easier to manage and control than ever.
I was a student at a small progressive private school when I was diagnosed in 1993. My teachers went out of their way to make me feel comfortable, safe, and as normal as possible despite such an uncertain diagnosis. They visited me in the hospital, brought me books, made sure I ate my lunch, allowed me unrestricted use of the private teachers bathroom to test my blood, and hugged me when I accidentally dropped my first meter in the toilet and cried because I’d ruined it.
I wish this child could have these essential early impressions of his new life to look back on, rather than a glaring reminder that he’s just that much different from the other kids.
Shame on you, Chesterbrook Academy. Your motto seems to be “Our children grow, flourish, excel.” Unless they present a bit of a challenge, I suppose.
September 4th, 2007 at 5:12 am
I hate to hear news like this. Share on them indeed! Disturbing news to say the least :-\
September 4th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Yes, but you have to understand that in Pennsylvania they wear shoes on their hands and hamburgers eat people.
And a bunch of them are Amish.
LOLZ.
September 4th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
I can’t imagine how we all could have dealt with your diagnosis without your teachers, your classmates and their parents. They were all so supportive and sympathetic, and eager to learn whatever they needed to in order to make your life easier. I remember there being sugar-free items at every birthday party you were invited to, effective immediately. What a terrible thing that school has done to that little boy. Shame on them.