Diabetes Fund

 Overview:

The Julie Butler Diabetes Fund, a branch of NY SAVE (NY Save Animals in Veterinary Emergency) is a 501(c)(3) organization which was established to assist low-income pet owners in treating and managing diabetes in their pets. This initiative was founded in honor of the late Dr. Julie Butler, a retired Executive Board member who succumbed to COVID-19 in 2020.

Mission:

The primary mission of the Julie Butler Diabetes Fund is to alleviate the financial burden associated with managing chronic diabetes in pets, particularly dogs and cats. Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder, can lead to high blood sugar levels and requires ongoing treatment. The fund aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent pet owners from providing essential care to their diabetic animals. 

Scope:

The Julie Butler Diabetes Fund’s assistance is available to licensed veterinarians across the state of New York, making it accessible to a wide range of pet owners.

Financial Support:

For eligible cases, the Julie Butler Diabetes Fund offers financial assistance of up to $3,000 per year per case. This assistance is renewable annually, provided that the long-term criteria continue to be met. The foundation has allocated funds to support up to 10 cases in the year 2025.

Criteria for Veterinarians:

To qualify for financial support from the Julie Butler Diabetes Fund, veterinarians must have cases that meet the following criteria:

1. Income Level: The pet owner’s income must be at or below the poverty level, as required for any NY SAVE case. The acceptance by the client of any of the medical emergency funds, Care Credit being the most popular, will not be a disqualifying factor.
2. Stable Documented Diabetic Pet: The pet must have a documented diagnosis of diabetes, and the condition should be stable.
3. Client Compliance: The pet owner must demonstrate compliance with the treatment plan provided by the veterinarian.

Covered Expenses:

The Julie Butler Diabetes Fund will cover the following expenses for approved cases.

1. Up to Two Wellness Blood Panels per Year: Regular blood panels are essential for monitoring the pet’s overall health and diabetes management.
2. Glucose Monitoring: This includes equipment and supplies needed for monitoring blood sugar levels.
3. Insulin or any of the approved oral medications: The Julie Diabetes Fund will provide financial assistance for insulin or any approved oral medication, all of which area essential for diabetes treatment.

Expenses Not Covered:

The Julie Butler Diabetes Fund does not cover the following expenses:

1. Hospitalization: Costs related to hospitalization are not included.
2. IV Fluids: Expenses associated with intravenous fluids are not covered.
3. Glucose Curves: The fund does not cover the costs of glucose curves.
4. DKA Management: Expenses for managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are not part of the financial assistance.
5. Specialty foods.

By providing financial support for the essential components of diabetes management, the Julie Butler Diabetes Fund aims to ensure that impoverished pet owners can afford to care for their beloved animals, reducing the suffering of diabetic pets and maintaining their well-being. This initiative serves as a fitting tribute to Dr. Julie Butler’s legacy within the veterinary community.