When Valerie Porter joined the Zebra Health Team in 2021, as part of the SHIELD Illinois state-wide initiative to help schools and communities, the Englewood native never expected that she would be doing more than administering weekly Covid-19 tests to one of the 130-plus schools in Chicago and its neighboring suburbs. She would also develop relationships and by sharing her own personal experiences, improve a student’s quality of life.

During Valerie’s second week administering Covid-19 tests to the student body at Erie Elementary School, an employee of the school noticed that Valerie was wearing a Libre Lifestyle, a small glucose monitoring device that allows diabetics to continuously monitor their glucose, on her arm. The employee shared with Valerie that a student at Erie has recently been assigned a similar machine and was struggling with wearing it.

The employee asked Valerie if she’d be open to talking to the fifth grader about her experience with diabetes and give him some advice on using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Valerie agreed.

Valerie and the young student talked about his family's history with diabetes and how it had been negatively impacting his life. He didn’t want to wear his CGM. Valerie sensed that the boy felt there was a stigma around being diabetic.“It's not a death sentence, anyone can have diabetes.” She explained to him that he could still eat the foods he loved but in moderation and how adding exercise into his routine could help keep his blood sugar in check.

A few weeks later, Valerie wanted to check in on her new friend and make sure that he was listening to her advice. She noticed that he still was struggling with wearing his CGM and wasn’t recording his glucose numbers as often as he should. She knew this was a big responsibility for a fifth grader and got the sense that he wasn’t getting a ton of support at home. That’s when she  gave him an assignment.”I asked him to check and record his number every night. Once before dinner. Once after.” Valerie kept in contact with the school nurse, and when she found out that the student had not completed his assignment she decided to have a heartfelt talk with him.

“I really care about you, if I didn’t care I wouldn’t take my own personal time to check on you” Valerie told the boy. Valerie really felt he needed guidance so he could manage his health. She knew the struggle of diabetes and expressed to him that the best way to keep from getting sick was to monitor his glucose and take action before he became unwell. If he didn’t do it for himself, no one else would.

After Valerie spoke with the student the teachers and staff began to notice a huge improvement in the fifth grader’s disposition and behavior. He’d always been a good kid, but the issue around his health had impacted his performance at school.  He seemed less burdened and happier to be at school. Valerie plans on visiting the school again to check up on her young friend.

Valerie shared her story with Susie Kataoka, Managing Partner of Zebra Health who was extremely pleased that one of her team members could make such a strong impact in the community they serve. Great Job, Valerie!