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A 9-year-old girl in New Lenox, Ill., is being called a hero for saving her mother's life by stopping their speeding car from crashing.
"At one point she went through a stop light and then at another point she was going over 70 miles per hour, and on the secondary road," said Alex Sheridan about the incident that happened a week earlier.
Sheridan's mother, Jennifer, went into diabetic shock while driving them home from a cousin's basketball game and lost control of their vehicle.
"I guess I went off the road and down through a little ditch and we were kind of heading towards trees and a sign and a utility pole," said Jennifer, who was phasing in and out of consciousness during the shock.
The vehicle was about to hit a tree when Sheridan reached over and turned off the key to stop the car. Then she continued to hold the key to prevent her mother from starting the car before help arrived.
When her father called to check on their delay, Sheridan told him what had happened and that they were lost. She then quickly snapped a picture of "Wood's Auto Body" and sent it to her dad, who was able to determine they were on Laraway Road in Frankfort.
Fortunately, both mom and daughter were OK. Jennifer is now wearing a special insulin pump to help prevent her going back into shock. She is grateful for her daughter's quick thinking.
"She saved her mom, she saved herself, she's an amazing kid," Jennifer said.
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How can someone with severe diabetes get a driver's license?
Chances are she had the driver's license before she had the diabetes.
It's one of those things you're innocent until proven guilty. Millions of diabetics are able to drive. It's just a matter of keeping your sugar under control and knowing what it is before you get behind the wheel. Something Medicare doesn't allow you to do. Medicare says you can check your sugar 3 times a day so if you drive you may not have the test strips to check it before you get behind the wheel. Another thing Medicare won't do is let you get a pump unless you pay for it yourself ($5k+). Its funny how insurance companies want everyone to stay health but only if it doesn't cost them anything. If you check your insurance, if you have it, you will find your insurance company may not pay for a lot of things that are meant to keep you healthy.
If her diabetes was under control for a set period of time (states decide that length of time) then a diabetic can still have a driver's license. After this she may end up losing it until the state is satisfied it won't happen again.
How can idiots like you get driver's licenses?
Way to take a good story and turn it into a beotch session. Dang! Congratulations to the young girl who had the guts to do what she did and to have the wits about her to take a picture and send it to her dad. People with diabetes are very capable of driving. They control their blood sugar and everything is fine. Going into diabetic shock can happen and it can happen out of the blue. If she took her medication and did everything her doctor told her, then I am sure this is an isolated incident. But if we are to go with the line of thinking they should not be allowed to drive, people who have had a TIA or a heart attack should not be allowed to drive. You know....that can happen out of the blue also. How about someone who saw a snake and fainted one time at the county fair. Don't let them drive either because they might faint again. Even if you have not had an acute medical condition, it can happen. What if it did? Should we just go ahead and take your license now?? Hell, take everyone's license away. We have all been so sick at one time or another in our lives that we could not drive. It might happen again. Ludicrous. AND- you don't even have to have "severe" diabetes to have a diabetic emergency.
I think we should get back to the girl and congratulate her for stepping up and doing what needed to be done. When someone is in the condition her mother was in, they are not thinking clearly. It even resembles (at times) someone that is intoxicated. But let the state she lives in, her doctor and the DMV determine when and if she can drive. The story isn't about that. It's about the young girl. Seems to me, she has a bright future ahead. Good luck and congatulations again.
@JimCA -- you need to LEARN before preaching -- my husband has been Type 1 (insulin dependent) for 52 years. He has a drivers license and has never had a problem. The law requires that he be approved for driving by his treating physician and submit forms and testing every 4 years. There is nothing that prevents him (or any other diabetic) from driving as long as there has never been an incident. This driver will probably have to undergo testing and be incident free for a period of time before she will be able to drive again.
Bambi-1443689
Jim didn't preach, you did. He simply asked a question. That is after all how learning occurs.
The woman should be charged, just as a drunk would be. She is responsible for getting behind the wheel when she should not have.
Bravo to the little girl who had the ability to act in a dangerous situation. Diabetics can drive very well, they just have to be aware of the signs their body gives them when there is a severe imbalance in blood sugar. The article didn't say if it was from extreme low blood sugar (most likely) or too much. Smart kid though to recognize the signs and take action.
Diabetic shock can come on very quickly. There is a good chance that when she got behind the wheel she was perfectly capable of driving the vehicle safely.
Hopefully her insurance and the DMV review this ladies license!
I don't understand how and why people want to be so critical and judgemental. Instead of looking at the bigger picture that they were safe, that God hand His hand on them, that a miracle happen through this little girl and because of this, they are able to tell the world. They are still here to tell the story! Wake up people, Look at the bigger picture, there may come a time when your face is in a frame!! Hope you understand God Bless!!
Diabetes can be controlled. You must follow the doctor's orders and always be aware of the signals that your body sends to you. All of us, and not just diabetic patients, must take heed to take care of our bodies
Hey, JimCA
I read the article. Did you read all of it? I think not. Nowhere in the story did it say "severe" diabetic. Having been a diabetic - type one for over forty years, I have never heard anyone with any true knowledge of the affliction refer to it as "severe diabetes". All diabetes is serious. I have found over the years one of the biggest problems faced by diabetics at all levels of control is people that beleive they "know" something about it spouting off with statements made out of ignorance. My personal favorite is co-workers that develop an instant attitude when they see me go off to the break room to deal with a low blood sugar event. I have heard everything from "you should not be here" meaning I should not have a job here, To "why don't you go on disability or something". What I am trying to get across is, Have some sensitivity towards people in general and to those with medical issues as well. And in answer to your question. She got her DL the same way everyone else does.
To Confused: You can purchase a machine to test your blood sugar at any drug store!! It doesn't cost $5k. What an imbecile! I'm a veteran and I get mine for free. But my husband has to pay for his. And I purchased every thing he needed at my local drug store for under $100.00. And if I was to start feeling light headed or dizzy I'd pull over asap. I wouldn't want to endanger anyone. God Bless this smart, observant 9 year old for doing the right thing.
Bluedream, he wasn't writing about a test kit costing $5000, he was referring to an insulin pump that automatically feeds insulin more or less continuously as you need it. I have never priced them but I wouldn't be surprised if they cost $5000, or more.
Confussed-1578043
OR if you have half a brain you will check your insurance and buy a policy that covers everything you want it to. You can get insurance for pretty much anything as long as you are willing to pay the premiums. If you want the cheapest possible insurance policy you'd have to be an idiot to expect it to cover everything.
FYI. Diabetic shock comes from low blood sugar. Regular high blood sugar on the other hand causes nerve damage over a long period of time. It is common medical practice to try to approach the control of blood sugar the body does in a healthy person. A miscalculation however can result in hypoglycemia if for example a person misses a meal. So it has been my practice to error on the high side. Problems arise when there are changes in routine; extra physical work, a Christmas meal, an extra shot of insulin, all can disrupt the balancing act a diabetic must come to terms with.
Now for the test. If you find a person suffering from hypoglycemia, (symptoms of slurred speech, shaky hands, confusion) do you help them with more insulin or a sugary drink? Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV.
Basically the person who wrote this article needs to get some basic diabetes facts straight: it's either Insulin Shock or Diabetic coma...not "diabetic shock" (far too sensational but they need to write articles don' they)....and yes people who have diabetes can have a driver's license. When they are insulin shock: they need sugar; when they are in diabetic coma...they need a hospital !!!; IV fluids; more insulin and careful monitoring of their blood sugars until it gets into range.
Many complain that Obamacare will have a death council because it won't fund all treatment ignoring that neither insurance, medicare, VA or medicaid will fund any treatment that's experimental or where there's a cheaper alternative. As noted in this article a pump can prevent these types of accidents but since taking it manually is cheaper it' not an alternative. Insurance companies and governmental medical programs make these life or death decisions every day. We have the best healthcare in the world but those on HMO's or government medical programs will never see it.
People who own hand guns can also have diabetes and if they go in to insulin shock their impaired judgement and irrational thinking could make them very dangerous to anyone around them, or even themselves. What if the mother had a hand gun in her car? She would not be able to stop her nine year old daughter from getting to it if she wasn't even able to control her car. She may not have even been able to recognize that it was her daughter in the car with her or understand why she was trying to stop the car. Wouldn't it be horrible if she pointed a hand gun at her daughter and pulled the trigger because she thought her daughter was a carjacker? The only way we can make sure this never happens is to eliminate hand guns.
How can we allow all these corporations to continue selling us these diabetes causing foods?!!! That should be a crime and those CEOs should be in prison for life for the murders they've committed!!!
Unless you are diabetic yourself and know what it's like to have all the ups and downs of diabetes, keep the preaching to yourself.
This article is ignorance at its finest; whoever wrote this needs smacked in the face with a cast iron frying pan.
I've been a type I diabetic for close to 30 years and on an insulin pump for around 7 years and never received a ticket or any sort of violation while driving.
And a "special insulin pump" is not accurate. There is nothing special about an insulin pump nor does it keep a diabetic from going into shock. It does help prevent it, yes, but it does not stop it entirely; just like it does not stop high sugars from happening and ketoacedocis from kicking in. It's there to assist in control but it does take effort and monitoring on the diabetics part to keep any lows or highs from happening.
I don't know about hero, but the daughter sounds like she has a good head on her shoulders and reacts really well in an emergency. Good Job, Sheridan!
She could become an emergency worker one day.
I can't understand why those people that had those cars that they said they couldn't stop just turn off the key.
It should be noted that, while a 9 year old girl obviously didn't know any better, turning off the key is a terrible idea because it locks the steering wheel. The story mentions running a stop light and 70 mph speeds but the mother had apparently managed to slow the car as she was drifting in and out of consciousness.
Backcountry, most, if not all cars need to be in park or neutral before the key can be turned to the point of locking the steering. This is a safety feature built in just for this reason, so I think she would be ok as long as she didn't put it in neutral first.
Sheridan is the Hero of the Day. For a nine (9) years old girl to have a level head in this situation is amazing. Well done young lady. Now grow up knowing you are loved by many. God Bless.
her name is actually Alex Sheridan.....she is one smart kid! so glad they are both okay!!! :_)
smart kid.
Super great true life tale. GO Sheridan! :o)
Confussed-1578043
- you are in fact confused. Medicare does in fact pay for insulin pumps as is seen by looking up the Medicare formulary for insulin dependent diabetics. Do they allow them for everyone? No! Diabetics who visit their endocrinologist's must get a letter from them stating that in order to control their diabetes they need an insulim pump and perhaps for some reason, shots/pens are not helping to manage their diabetes appropriately! Diabetics are of course allowed drivers license's unless their respective state DMV's believe that diabetic problems are so severe that they pose a rick to others or themselves on the road. (I.E. ) Diabetic retinopathy which is an eye complication can for one, be a disqualifying factor if the condition is severe enough. Every diabetic is different and therefore cannot all be pooled into one group!! A recent example of this is that now even the FAA is allowing diabetics who have insulin pumps who have a history of good control to be able to apply for and receive 3rd class airman medical certification to be able to fly a private airplane. Again not every diabetic is the same and I beleive that this woman is lucky to be able to have an insulin pump that although does not provide a cure, allows her more freedom to live a better life and allows for better and more accurate control. Anyone who is a type one needs to test before they drive. Pure and simple. It is simple to avoid problems like most but not all the time and I'm sure with better control she will be fine. Thank god for her daughter! Glad both are ok. Lesson learned. If she is not responsible with her pump and does not exercise good judgement then that is an issue that her doctor is "required" to take up with DMV in the future.
But to correct the incorrect information, Medicare does provide coverage for insulin pumps and I was thinking maybe you were thinking about State sponsored medi-caid program which lack the appropriate budget and do not provide coverage.
Going on 25 Years as a type 1. Live everyday the best you can. Help your pump help you. Be safe. Be responsible, Use good judgement. Dont get behind the wheel of a car without knowing where you stand on bloodsugar levels. Dont drive far without stopping and checking again....Works for me. Not all diabetics are the same!!
Todd, just want to thank you for that comment! As the wife of a T1, it is so true that not all diabetics are the same.
Todd, just want to thank you for that comment! As the wife of a T1, it is so true that not all diabetics are the same.
Well said. My son is type 1 (for over 20 years) and it's no picnic.
Every day I go online hoping there is a headline saying the cure is here.
Meanwhile it's a balancing act and I salute all type 1's.
ToddMW, 1st thank for the information. I am not diabetic, nor are my children - however, I know many people that are diabetic (Type I, Type II and even one that is MOBY), this is good information for them and for the general public.
I would like to add that yes, sometimes medicaid will pay for insulin pumps. Each state has different requirements - often multiple requirements. I only know this because one of my medical school classmates has a daughter that is Type I Diabetic, and is on medicaid - they got her insulin pump paid for by medicaid. It wasn't easy, from what I understand - they had to have a lot of proof of various requirements dating back an extended period of time before medicaid would authorize it. But, now the child has an insulin pump. I do not know the specific requirements though.
It really depends on the state for medicaid coverage of the pumps.
@CBLinRaleigh - so fck the Type 2 diabetics, is that what you mean when you say "I salute all type 1's". Type 2 is heriditary too you know. Some people have other problems such as thyroid that affects their sugar levels. I know people who do not eat sugars or starches and still have Type 2. Just because your not born with it doesn't mean you deserve it CBL.
justme: I don't think that is what they were trying to imply at all - they just happen to be more familiar with type I given their son's history of it.
Also, I would like to point out that Type II actually has more genetic linkage than does Type I. The general hypothesis surrounding Type I is that there is molecular mimicry that results in the autoimmune disease that is Type I. This means that the person gets a virus, their macrophages and other antigen presenting cells process the virus is a way that puts forth a particular antigen that is very similar to self-antigens found on the Beta cells of the pancreas - as a result, once the immune system has dealt with the virus, it then attacks the Beta cells of the pancreas (which produce insulin), once approximately 75% of these cells are killed, the person develops Type I diabetes. The viruses most commonly implicated in this are EBV and mumps. EBV happens to be one of the most common viruses that infects humans. Obviously, not everyone that gets this virus develops Type I diabetes, it comes down to how the APC's present the viral antigens. Interestingly, EBV has also been implicated in development of many other autoimmune disorders (such as MS).
Yup- less than a year after I had a horrible case of chicken pox I was diagnosed with my T1. I've lived well with it for 33 years now. Your explanation was excellent!
This is one area many people never think to talk to their children about if they have a medical condition. Part of emergency preparedness, is planning for medical emergencies, including while driving. If one has a child old enough, take the time to discuss what would happen if something happened to you while driving.
How wonderful this young girl was able to think clearly and stay calm, when it would have been so much easier to become overwhelmed. Her ability to handle such a dangerous situation, leads me to believe she will continue to do well with whatever challenges life throws her way. While both mother and daughter are more deeply joined in a bond of love and devotion.
Agreed. I have very severe asthma and life-threatening allergies. I make sure my kids know where my inhalers and EpiPen are. My oldest is trained on how to use the EpiPen on me if necessary and today I am teaching my youngest how to use it (he's old enough to do it now). I had a similar thing happen to me when driving - I got stung by a bee, which I am deathly allergic to. Fortunately, I was able to slow the car down - but my son (who was 11 at the time), had to guide it to the side of the road and got us stopped. He then gave me an EpiPen injection and used my cell phone to call 911.
Well good for her.....I remember when i was 11 years and i started learning how to drive....by the time i was 14, i was driving by myself
I guess your parents didn't teach you to obey the law!
Homesick, the laws can vary in each State. In some Rural Communities Kids can drive at an earlier age due to the fact they have to be able to drive the farm equipment on the roads.
@homesick yank
Not only do laws vary from state to state, but they've changed over the years. I was driving legally at 14 1/2 and had a driver's license at 15.
I got what was called a "Hardship" license when I was 15
She most certainly is a hero in my opinion. She apparently remained calm enough and was quick thinking enough to turn the car off. Definitely sounds like she would make a good ER doctor when she grows up.
Every diabetic should check their blood sugar level before driving. She would have known where she stood if she had done that. If you don't want to do that then have some orange juice a few minutes before you drive. Sounds like she might not have been looking after her diabetes very well. It's something, that unfortunately for many, just doesn't go away.
First of all, it is obvious that you do not have type 1 diabetes. Blood sugars can often drop suddenly with no warning. I have been Type 1 for over 30 years and have great control, but still have drops that I cannot avoid no matter how often I test. Don't assume she wasn't looking after her diabetes. Also learn that there is a big difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 never "goes away".
100 bucks says your over wieght
@REALLY-1674002
200 bucks says YOU'RE (not your) stupid!
$200 buck says you don't know the difference between type 1 and type 2. Type one has nothing to do with weight. It's also called Juvenile Diabetes because it often starts in Kids. It's an autoimmune disease that completely shuts down the insulin production in the pancreas. My type 1 diabetic in my family weight 32 lbs at age 7 when diagnosed. That's the weight of the average 2-3 year old.
I'm a CDL driver, have been for over 25 years now. I don't have diabetes but I know I am tested regular and if I ever get it to the point of taking a shot I can't drive anymore professionally. My wife is borderline and her strip test don't show she even has it. But her blood work from the doctor says she does. So she takes meds. She is 50 now so I hope she can finish out her life without it being a major problem for her. Her driving record is perfect. She has never been involved in an accident in her life.
I used to drive tractors at 6 and bail have. big deal. I do wonder why someone would try to restart the car after hitting the ditch. Sounds like a few more mental issues than the article is letting on .
jollyjoker: it has NOTHING to do with a mental issue. It has to do with levels of sugar in the blood, that when they get to a certain level, the individual does not think clearly. They act as if they are intoxicated and they even harm themselves or others around them. It is not a "mental" thing whatsoever. It is a classic sign of a diabetic emergency. People have even been taken to jail by police who thought they were intoxicated, only to find out their sugar level was off and they had not had any alcohol to drink.
Great job! You did well little one!!
ATTAGIRL! Moowa! Moowa! Moowa!
What an intelligent and resourceful young lady! I wish her much success in the future.
My congrats go out to Alex. You did a great job under difficult conditions. I know your parents are proud of you. I came upon an accident that had just happened about two years ago. Same kind of thing, mother driving with a teen daughter in a Jeep. Too bad the daughter did not react as well. The Jeep struck three cars, almost killing two of the occupants, then hit a tree at over 70MPH. Sorry the outcome was not good. The mother died at the scene and the daughter was critically injured. Maybe parents who have a chance of this happening should mention to thier kids how to stop a car if it does occur. It may scare the kids at first, but it may also save thier life.
She should be charged with impaired driving, and child endangerment as she is akin to a passed out drunk driver. Prehaps when the justice system starts charging people with known medical conditions that are involved in these types of incidents we can get some assult vehicles off our streets.
7.62- 1st off, is 7.62 your mental apptitude score? 2nd; if the system does what you propose, then I hope you are the first because clearly you have a mental condition. I had a heart attack years ago, while driving. I ran 5 miles a day, worked and was in good health. I rearended a parked truck, and that saved my life, as this happened before airbags were anybodies dream. So make a note to self: Engage brain before engaging mouth.
Yeah, whatever 7.62x39mm. About 6 months ago, I did a neurology rotation as part of my 3rd year medical school rotations. During this rotation, I became convinced my mom was having seizures - I advised her to see her doctor about them. She saw her PCP, who agreed with me and sent her to a neurologist. Sure enough, on her EEG, she was having left parietal lobe seizures. The law in the state she lives required her license to be suspended for at least 6 months - she has to be seizure free and compliant with her meds to get her license back. So, she hasn't been driving. A week ago, she had a break through seizure that wouldn't stop without going to the ER and getting Ativan injected - so her 6 months restarted. My mother never had an accident or road violation of any kind prior to her diagnosis.
There are many people with epilepsy or other seizure disorders that can and do drive - provided they are seizure free and on their meds for the time specified by their state. Are you aware that 1 in 100 people have a seizure disorder? It's actually much more common than people realize. The vast majority of these people are able to go about their day, including driving, without ever having a problem.
7.62X39mm. There are many accidents caused by medical emergencies. Been in EMS for 24 years. It happens. Heart attacks, strokes, diabetic emergencies. The list is endless. It can happen and it does happen and it CAN HAPPEN TO YOU! So before you start preaching you better hope that tiny blood clot forming in your leg doesn't hit your lungs, heart or brain when it breaks loose and the next time your behind the wheel. Careful where you point that judgemental, crooked finger.
Obviously you are just too stupid to drive a vehicle of any kind - even a tricycle 7.62
I think this was just his idea of sarcasm, trying to inject the assault weapons ban into the conversation Hence his name 7.62x39mm, an amunition size.
To 7.62X39
Due to your mental incapacity your DL should be revoked and your weapons confiscated ASAP.
7.62,
I, for one, know you're not stupid. But really, you just gave every lib in the world ammunition to shoot down any argument you make for days. Please don't feed them!
to late OldDog, he already did , and I'm not a lib.
there were some angels with them that day.
It wasn't an angel who turned the engine off. It a smart and quick-thinking girl.
What a brave kid for sure, Her mother is having a medical issue which the kid may not understand but I would think would make most kids very upset but the child does the best thing possible and turns off the ignition so the car will stop! (wow!) What a great kid and a hero for sure as she saved both herself and her mother not to mention many other people who could have been harmed by the out of control auto.
I really hope that this child is given some kind of an accommodation for her actions so she can have that with her for the rest of her life to show off proudly, not to mention lots of hugs from mom.
I wish the child and her family the best.
Sometimes kids can do some amazing things. Hope it works out good for the mom.
A very brave little girl.
Great Kid, the only thing that bothers me is why the mother tried to restart the car and drive again. If she can't figure out she was acting irrational and was the equivalent to being drunk, I hope they KEEP the keys. I've been drunk many times in the past and KNEW I shouldn't and I didn't drive.
Oh, Mac--she wasn't drunk, her blood sugar was extremely low. I have been Type 1 for 32 years now and this has only happened to me once. Fortunately, I did not run off the road or hit anyone, but I was swerving a bit and driving really slowly. When your blood sugar is low--you truly cannot speak, think, or control yourself. Go get another beer and leave this board alone :/
Except that it is not the equivalent to being drunk; it is a very different type of state of altered consciousness.
Mac, if you are acting irrational you don't usually know that you are.
That's my point, if she can't figure out she is irrational in that state she does not need to drive. Any drunk knows they're drunk and chooses to drive anyways suffers the consequences if they make that bad decision. If she is incapable to even understand she is impaired in that state then she is a MAJOR treat to herself, child and others.
Mac, do you understand that diabetic shock is nothing like being drunk? People with diabetes would never chose to go into shock. It's a medical condition. Driving drunk, on the other hand, is pure stupidity and total disconcern for everyone. It's insane to think someone should be punished for having a medical problem. Maybe you should learn something about diabetes before you make stupid comments.
You people are the irrational ones. If you have a condition in which you have became incapable of operating a motor vehicle and you wish to continue to drive, then you shouldn't drive. I am a pilot. I presently have a condition that keeps me from being 100% of my former self. You want me to pilot the aircraft you are flying in? How hard is that to understand?
I didn't say punish her. I said she shouldn't drive anymore. I served with a soldier who went into diabetic shocks occasionally in a combat support position. He didn't crew an aircraft, but was a maintainer. . He felt them comming, and took appropriate action, and the rest of us covered for him. If he couldn't feel them comming there would be no way he could tap out and we jump in and pick up the slack. How hard is that to understand,. As Clint Eastwood would say "Son, ya gotta know your limitations". Puttin other people in danger is NOT right. Driving a motor vehicle is not a constitutional right. Free speech and ownin a gun are. LOL!
I've been a Type 1 diabetic for 38 years. When your blood sugar is low it's a feeling that's hard to describe unless you've experienced it. As it starts getting low you know it--kind of shaky, weak feeling. If you don't get something to eat fast you can start denying that it's happening. I know this sounds weird but it happens. Don't wait, treat!!!
Good job kid,,,, good job.
Kudos to this young lady!
finnally, someone who is smart enough to turn the key OFF in a runaway car, the number of accidents we've had over the last few years with runaway cars and this kid is the first person to actually be smart enough to kill the engine.
@ JimCA why shouldn't they have a License? It's not like this happens every time she's in the car! Get real and don't be a fricking tool, think before you speak.
As long as you are on a straightaway road that is good advice but turning off the ignition locks the steering wheel in its current position. If you can't steer you might be in worse shape than before.
What a heads up, brave little girl. I'm glad everyone is okay, as this outcome could have been a real tragedy.