When 2-year-old Campbell started showing unusual symptoms, his mother sought medical help at her local Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Primary Care office. After testing, the medical team sent Campbell for emergency treatment of type 1 diabetes. Thanks to their swift action, Campbell received lifesaving care just in time. Today, he is a happy 4-year-old, and his family is forever grateful.

Campbell was a healthy, energetic 2-year-old when his parents began noticing something wasn’t right. He was sleeping more than usual, drinking an unusual amount of fluids, and constantly needing to use the bathroom. He also had stomach pains and was losing weight — subtle but concerning changes his mother, Mary, couldn’t ignore. 

Mary brought Campbell to see Dr. Nicole Jezewski, a pediatrician at CHOP Primary Care, Souderton. Dr. Jezewski listened to Mary’s concerns and understood something serious might be happening. She immediately tested Campbell’s urine and checked his blood sugar. 

Without hesitation, Dr. Jezewski sent Campbell and his family straight to the Emergency Department on CHOP’s Philadelphia campus for critical treatment of type 1 diabetes.  

Quick action avoids catastrophe 

When Campbell arrived at CHOP, he was in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a life-threatening condition where dangerously high blood sugar levels can lead to a coma. His blood glucose was 806, and his A1C measured 12.1 — numbers that could have been catastrophic had treatment been delayed. 

Thanks to the quick action of CHOP’s Primary Care team, Campbell got the care he needed just in time. 

“Dr. Jezewski took the time to listen and truly hear me out, as a parent,” says Mary. “I did not know the signs and symptoms of diabetes at that time, I just knew he was not acting himself. Dr. Jezewski heard my concern and acted immediately in finding out the reason he was so sick.”  

Back to health and happiness 

Today, Campbell is a thriving, happy 4-year-old who loves sports, cooking and playing with his older brother. He continues to receive exceptional care from the CHOP Diabetes Center every three months, where his family feels fully supported and heard.

“He is in such loving and caring hands there,” says Mary. “As a parent, I always feel that we are heard, understood, and part of a team approach in caring for Campbell’s diabetes.”

The family is forever grateful to Dr. Jezewski and the entire CHOP team for recognizing the signs of type 1 diabetes and acting immediately. Their swift response saved Campbell’s life — and ensured that he could continue being the joyful little boy he was meant to be.