By Karen Coney Coplin

Quieter streets, traditions that linger, and simple pleasures define our summertime. As the end of our busy season approaches, things grow a little quieter as summer settles into Naples. For many of us who live here year round, life softens in the most welcome way. And for those of you that don’t, please consider a weekend trip back to enjoy some of these simple pleasures.

With the sun moving south, mornings seem brighter and afternoons stretch longer. Our favorite familiar places take on a more relaxed rhythm and pace.

These months are often overlooked, yet, this gem of a town offers all of us an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and savor the summer season.

I know from personal experience that the early summer hours feel like a gift. It’s infinitely cooler early in the day, quieter, and unhurried. Time to get a beach walk in before the summer rains appear!

At midday, warmer and often humid weather encourages us all to pause. It’s a welcome invitation to enjoy a break. Then, as evening arrives, it’s time for a favorite ritual: the sunset seemingly melting into the Gulf.

Whether there or over a shared meal, easy conversation can bring the perfect summer day in Naples to a close.

Other traditions anchor our calendars this time of year.

Although our snowbirds are staying later and later, Mother’s Day becomes less about securing the perfect reservation and more about lingering at the table, whether at home or at your favorite local brunch spot.

When the summer season officially arrives, Father’s Day will often unfold outdoors. Maybe dear old dad or grandad will enjoy an early tee time or an afternoon on the water.

And in between, the graduation season will bring its own meaning in the celebration of milestones and accomplishments of loved ones. Then, time for plenty of conversation about what lies ahead for our local and “locally grown” graduates awaits.

For every day, the summer season offers little luxuries. These include the ease of finding the perfect parking spot and stepping into a favorite restaurant without cajoling or weeks of advance planning.

It might even include an unhurried afternoon at the beach or by the pool, or a walk along historic Third St. South, long known for its remarkable potted gardens and flowery byways.

For seasonal residents, this is a chance to experience Naples less as a resort town or destination, and more as a community.

It’s also a time to go deeper and enjoy the places and experiences which make Naples so special, minus the rush and crowds.

After many decades here, I truly believe this is the time when Naples feels most like home. Any one or all of these small luxuries can be elusive during peak season, yet can be a part of everyday summer life in Naples.

Our town has long been defined by a gracious spirit and a strong sense of community, which is shaped by all of our residents, year rounders and snowbirds.

I wish all readers the best for this summer as you enjoy an ordinary evening, gather for a holiday, or toast a celebratory milestone, and everything in between.

A summer well spent is often a reflection of what matters most, as we have the time to be still and soak in life’s simplest pleasures. All of which are in abundance, here in summertime Naples.

Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions for future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable organizations in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer.

Additionally, for more vignettes about life in Naples, give her a follow on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers

By Karen Coney Coplin

When Joe and Tami Balavage founded Help A Diabetic Child (HADC), it wasn’t because they planned to start a non-profit. It was a spontaneous and caring action because their 16-year-old son Michael received a Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis (T1D), and their family’s life changed overnight.

Michael’s family quickly learned a reality that most never have to consider: a person living with T 1D cannot survive without insulin. Without insulin, a life-threatening condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) will develop. With DKA, severe symptoms may begin within a day of a missed dose. Insulin is not optional. It’s a life-saving and life sustaining medication.

Tami shared that her son’s diagnosis meant constant monitoring injections and vigilance, all while he was navigating typical teen life like school, friendships and sports. She and her husband felt both responsibility and fear, but also the weight of a staggering financial reality.

Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of his initial supplies was overwhelming. Before leaving the hospital, the family needed long-acting and short acting insulin, along with glucose test strips, a meter, lancets, glucose tablets, ketone strips, and emergency glucagon.

This latter medication is so essential that a child cannot attend school without it kept safely with a school nurse. Additionally, this is one of the most expensive diabetic prescriptions.

As with the experiences shared with others going through the same diagnosis, Michael’s family discovered that this was not a unique outcome. Families in Naples were rationing insulin and delaying doctor visits in some cases. Others felt compelled to choose between basic needs and life-saving supplies.

All of this coupled with high deductibles and expensive copays as well as gaps in coverage frequently left families paying thousands of dollars annually before insurance stepped in.

This awareness sparked action by the Balavage family. Initially, their community outreach began with car washes and local business donations which were successful in raising a few hundred dollars at a time. These humble beginnings expanded into a lifeline, even reaching across the state of Florida in some cases.

In its first year, HADC helped eight children in Collier County and Lee County. Through continued growth, community education and various activities, HADC has assisted over 10,000 families in Southwest Florida during the past 15 years.

That’s an amazing and ongoing impact. Tami can recount numerous instances where parents have shared their utter relief in receiving life-saving medication to care for their child. Typically, the assistance provided by HADC lasts up to 3 months, giving families time to secure insurance, make applications to patient assistance programs, or stabilize employment.

T 1D requires relentless management and alters typical family schedules. Students will miss classes for appointments and parents sometimes lose work time for the same reason.

Also, there are long-term complications which potentially can develop into cardiovascular or kidney disease, among other outcomes. Occurrences such as this can further increase both medical and financial burdens.

Each November, in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, HADC hosts a dinner for families, medical professionals, and community supporters. It’s an evening of connection and fundraising. Please mark your calendars as HADC welcomes help in securing sponsors, selling tickets and assembling silent auction gift baskets.

Naples has long been a community known for generosity. There are many ways to make a difference. This could be through volunteering, sharing the mission or social media posts, and of course financial support is always appreciated.

Please visit HelpADiabeticChild.org for additional information.

No child should ever go without insulin. HADC is committed to helping families facing a T1D diagnosis find stability and hope.

Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions for future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable organizations in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer.