Sam’s Story

I’ll be honest, Type 1 Diabetes can feel impossible at times. You can do everything right one day, and the next, it completely backfires. It’s a constant, never-ending balancing act that doesn’t always make sense. It hits at the most inconvenient times, interuppts my sleep, my work, my adevntutes. Everything takes more thinking and planning than anyone else has too. But as frustrating as it can be, it’s also what makes me me. It’s something I’m proud to have fought for so many years. It makes me stronger, more determined and just that extra tad special.

I’m so lucky to have such an amazing circle of support around me — family, friends, and everyone who’s been there over the years with sugar, shortbread, or just some company when I’ve gone low or pushed myself too hard. To my friends who even track my levels in real time and remind me to eat some sugar or go for a run, you mean more to me than you’ll ever know.

This time 19 years ago, I was a really sick little girl in Starship Hospital, unsure what her new normal would be. It was a Friday night and I didn’t know why I felt so awful or why I was being poked and prodded. But now, that 5½-year-old is 24. She’s come a long way. She’s proud of who she is, confident, strong, and determined. She doesn’t let diabetes slow her down, but instead uses it to inspire herself and others, and grow in ways she never could have otherwise.

I wear my pump and sensor with absolute pride, and I’m always happy to explain what they do and how they help me live my best life.

I wish little Sam pictured above could see me now, to know that although it’s been a journey, we’ve come out stronger for it.

Take that, T1D!!!