Beloved teacher couldn’t afford insulin, partially loses both legs, family says
LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) - A beloved teacher in Las Vegas reportedly lost part of both of her legs after struggling to pay for insulin.
The community is rallying around Julie Cross, an educator for nearly a decade at Crossroads Academy after she suffered a “very bad” diabetic episode.
Cross has been known as Ms. Julie to parents and children at the academy for the last nine years.
Her mother, Tammy Cross, founded the small school where her sister also taught and currently helps run the school.
Earlier this month, Julie Cross was rushed to the hospital with near-fatal blood sugar levels. She entered into a coma and septic shock. Her mother said the family made a “difficult decision” to remove her feet and part of her legs.
Thursday afternoon, Julie Cross had another surgery at Summerlin Hospital. Doctors were able to save both her knees, which will help her get prosthetics to walk in the future.
Julie Cross has autoimmune diabetes. Her mother said her daughter’s diabetes progressed and medications weren’t working.
According to the family, doctors recommended that Julie Cross use insulin, but even with health insurance, she couldn’t afford the quoted $700 monthly price.
Julie Cross’ mother said that her daughter did not tell her loved ones about her predicament.
“It’s a struggle. She’s got a long road to take, it wasn’t planned. But she’s already saying, she can’t wait to get back to class. She misses her kids,” Tammy Cross said.
The Cross family shared that Julie Cross had recently achieved the “American dream,” paid off her vehicle and bought a condominium.
“It’s going to be an expensive road. I just want her to live her dream,” Tammy Cross said.
School staff has since started a GoFundMe to help their fellow educator during this difficult time.
“Ms. Julie has taught our students so much, not only academically but emotionally as well. She has taught compassion, kindness, and to help others in need. Right now, Ms. Julie is in need of our help,” GoFundMe organizer Chris Manning said.
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