Kai was a happy nine-month-old baby, playing and smiling; however, on his mother’s birthday in 2022, his parents noticed some symptoms indicating he was in pain. Symptoms grew and later led to lethargy and vomiting. Briana and Rob, Kai’s parents, rushed him to UPMC Hanover’s emergency department, where things changed very quickly – and significantly.
Dr. Ahsan Mohar, pediatric hospitalist, walked into the exam room and immediately recognized that Kai had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a serious condition that happens when the body doesn't have enough insulin and can't use the sugar needed for energy.
“The world kind of stopped at that point,” said Briana. "How could he have diabetes? We were just so confused and in shock. We had no idea about diabetes at that point, what that meant, or the severity."
From that moment, things sped up quickly. Kai’s blood sugar levels read 600, so he was airlifted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Harrisburg. He and his parents stayed there for 12 days of care from pediatric specialists, including endocrinologists, critical care pediatricians, and more.
“I will never forget Dr. Edelman and the endocrinologist coming in and pulling up a chair to tell us the seriousness of this diagnosis," said Briana. "The one thing that stands out to me is how much care they took with us at that moment. They were there for as long as we needed them to answer every single question we had. I couldn't ask for more in that situation, which was truly the worst day of our lives."
After Kai came out of DKA, the family faced several challenges, including a blood clot, which was one of the complications that can happen from the central line. They consulted with the hematology team from UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
“It was amazing that they were able to do that right there in the room we were in. They comforted us by sharing the game plan for going forward,” Briana explained.
The PICU also has child life specialists who provide resources to parents and give things to the child to help occupy their time.
“Kai was nine months old and was in the hospital for 12 days. We were an hour away from home and didn't have the option of having his things at the hospital with us, so they made sure that he had plenty of toys to keep him occupied.”
Now, three years later, Kai is thriving.
“We try to make diabetes as secondary as possible. It’s just a way of life for him. He doesn't really know why we do certain things yet, but it's just a part of him because he was diagnosed so young. All his device changes, pod changes, Dexcom changes – they are all just second nature at this point. We remind him all the time that he's tough and brave,” said Briana.
The family is truly thankful for each day.
“Dr. Mohar saved his life,” said Briana. "If it wasn’t for his knowledge and immediate reaction, Kai may not be here. And, the PICU is amazing. They are witnessing parents in their darkest moments. With every single person that we met, we never felt rushed. They thoroughly answered our questions."
Today, as a type 1 diabetic, Kai continues to see a pediatric endocrinologist at UPMC Children’s Specialty Services. While the family lives in Hanover, they say going to the Lemoyne location is well worth the visit and travel time.
"We are comfortable with the people, and the specialties are all within one roof," said Briana. "We are getting the best knowledge locally and from Pittsburgh.”
Kai's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.
