North Carolina group gets diabetes supplies to financially challenged
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Charles Ray, III knows firsthand what it's like to be diabetic and unable to afford crucial medical supplies. Fortunately, that struggle was years ago and is no longer an issue for him. But, he knows others aren't as lucky. That's what prompted him to found the CR3 Diabetes Association, which helps provides medical devices and supplies to those unable to afford the cost.
"Basically, it's for the under-insured or uninsured individuals, diabetics who need assistance. They're either in the loop where their co-pays are unattainable or they just don't have any insurance at all," explained Ray.
Some of the products offered include free glucose meters and testing strips, along with insulin pumps and insulin pump supplies sold at heavily discounted prices. It's a service that really helped out Raleigh mom Denise Alexander.
"We got our supplies from a place that was online, and we were spending upwards of $400 a month," Alexander recalled.
Alexander's 8-year-old son Max is a type one diabetic, and needs at least a dozen items on a weekly basis, but their insurance didn't cover all of it. When she mentioned the financial struggle to her son's endocrinologist, that doctor referred her to the CR3 Diabetes Association.
"They've helped us tremendously, because the prices are discounted much more than they would be through our insurance. So, it saves us a lot of money," said Alexander.
The organization provides these services thanks to donations from the public, corporate sponsorship, and various fundraisers throughout the year. They're also getting help from Seattle Seahawks standout Russell Wilson who is their national ambassador. He recently met with Ray after the Seahawks/Panthers game in Charlotte last weekend.
If you or someone you know is need of CR3's services, head to their website to fill out an application form: www.cr3diabetes.org
