Hi, Meet Zalo Gilmore. He’s a remarkable two-year-old with a story that resonates deeply with our family. I have an older sister named Zoe, age 8, and an older brother named Zaiden, age 6. Zalo was born on October 9, 2021, and his arrival brought so much joy. But just a few months later, our lives took an unexpected and harrowing turn.
On April 6, 2022, Zalo was just five months old and would turn six months old in a few days. He had been battling a cold, and that night, he developed a high fever and began vomiting uncontrollably. After nursing him and giving him medicine, he seemed to settle down for the night. But by morning, his breathing was noticeably labored. I initially thought it was just congestion from his cold.
I left for a short while to take Zoe and Zaiden to school, and when I returned, my mom, Zalo’s grandma, told me he was breathing deeply and struggling. She had tried to help him by running a steamy shower, hoping it would ease his breathing. I took a video of his breathing and sent it to his pediatrician, who urgently advised us to head to the hospital immediately.
It was a bright, sunny day, and as I drove, I prayed for guidance. I felt a clear direction to go to Newark Beth Israel rather than Barnabas. When we arrived, the emergency room team quickly assessed Zalo. He was still struggling to breathe, and his condition was deteriorating rapidly. I felt an eerie calmness amidst the chaos.
The medical team struggled to draw his blood, and as they prepared him for the ICU, they checked his blood sugar. The reading skyrocketed from 600 to 983 in minutes. That’s when they realized the severity of his situation. The room was filled with medical professionals, and I was asked to sign a consent form, a document that held the hospital harmless if the worst were to happen. My heart ached as I prayed fervently, “God, please help them save my son.”
I trusted the doctor, a strong and determined woman, and watched as she began critical procedures, including drilling into his bone marrow. I wasn’t allowed to stay in the room due to the need for sterility, but I stayed close, hidden, and quietly assured Zalo of my presence, whispering, “Zalo, mommy is here, and I love you.” I heard the doctors mention that his skull was softening, adding to my growing fear.
After what felt like an eternity, the nurse came to the waiting room with the news that Zalo was stable. Relief washed over me as I felt the cold floor beneath my feet, grounding me. I thanked God and the nurses profusely for their incredible efforts. Zalo’s survival was a miracle, and the following 15 days in the hospital were a testament to his strength and the unwavering support of the medical team.
Now, at two years old, Zalo continues to display remarkable resilience. He wears two essential devices: the Dexcom, which monitors his blood sugar through a sensor implanted under his skin, and the Omnipod 5, an insulin pump that delivers small doses of insulin throughout the day. Although these devices are crucial for managing his diabetes, they can be bulky. We hope that in the future, he will be able to use more advanced, less cumbersome technology.
Despite the daily challenges of managing Type 1 Diabetes, Zalo is a bright and joyful child. He communicates well, knows his ABCs and colors, and has a passion for cars—especially sports cars and monster trucks. He loves playing outside with his friends, who are often older than him. Zalo’s intelligence and energy make it hard to believe he’s only two years old. His strength and
joyful spirit are truly inspiring.
Every day, Zalo’s loving and friendly nature helps him navigate his condition. We are hopeful that one day he will outgrow his diabetes or that advancements in medical technology will make his management easier. For now, we continue to support him with all the love and care he deserves.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Zalo’s journey. Your support and kindness are deeply appreciated as we continue to strive for a better future for our brave little boy.