PHARSALIA – The family members of a local woman who passed away nearly seven years ago are doing their best to keep the spirit and courage of their beloved Heidee Petersen alive by continuing on with her wish to give back.

The late Heidee Petersen was diagnosed early at age two with juvenile diabetes, and from there life proved not to be any less complicated. A number of procedures and diagnoses punctuated her youth, eventually resulting in a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) in her high school years. Later, she would be diagnosed with gastroparesis secondary to dysautonomia, which occurs in many serious cases of diabetes – resulting in her needing a special implant to keep her stomach and intestines working properly.

From having a portion of her stomach removed, to enduring the daily battles associated with dialysis, Heidee remained optimistic for her family and her son.

The dollar amount to undergo such invasive and frequent medical treatment was burdensome to say the least, but Heidee was fortunate in that she had the backing and assistance of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) at her side to provide financial comfort through her many treatments.

The ADA has special funding for patients like Heidee who have overwhelming compilations attributed to diabetes, and thanks largely in part to those funds Heidee was able to spend more time with her son, Isaiah, before she passed away.