What is Type 1 diabetes? It’s an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin. The onset typically occurs in children and teens. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. It can’t be prevented. There is no cure. More than 30,000 people are diagnosed with the disease in the U.S. each year – approximately 80 people each day. And those numbers continue to rise annually. That’s why we’re so grateful for the hundreds of Iggy Kits have been provided to Phoenix Children’s Hospital families over the years by contributions to the Iggy Fund, which was created by Gloria and Max Cavalera in 1998.
Iggy Kits include a month’s worth of diabetes supplies and medication for both home and school. For most children, this includes 2-4 vials of insulin, glucometers, lancets, test strips, syringes, ketone test strips and glucagon rescue kits.
Unfortunately, many children get diagnosed with type one diabetes while their families are without or in between insurance. Iggy Kits save families from significant out of pocket costs from an unexpected life changing diagnosis. An Iggy Kit provides relief to these families, so they can focus on caring for their child.
A closer look
Includes a month’s worth of diabetes supplies and medication for both home and school.
Iggy is healthy, and has never let Type 1 stop him from achieving his dreams.
Max and Gloria, inside Phoenix Children's.
Max and Gloria pose outside Phoenix Children's.
Max, the frontman for the band Soulfly, is shown here in concert.
Max and Gloria understand that Type 1 carries a financial burden along with an emotional one. That’s why they created the Iggy Fund. They want to assist families with medication and supplies in the first month after diagnosis so families can focus on their child’s health. “When people ask me what I’m most proud of, my answer might not be what you think,” Max said. “I’m fortunate to have performed as front man for the band Soulfly and Sepultura. But what brings me and my wife Gloria the most satisfaction is advocating for Type 1 diabetes.”
Max and Gloria they want you to know there is hope. Iggy, now an adult, has carefully managed his diabetes, is healthy, and has never let Type 1 stop him from achieving his dreams. He’s a published author, musician, and advocate for this disease. You can help fund more success stories like his by contributing to the Iggy Fund. Your donation will support Iggy Kits during a frightening and overwhelming time for children who are newly-diagnosed with Type 1.
