“I am a Diabetes Champion! I have been living with type 1 diabetes for the past 20 Years. Diagnosed at age 7, I have experienced the highs and lows of dealing with diabetes. I have gone through the stages of frustration, and not caring anymore, to finally taking control of my life BACK. Growing up with diabetes is not always easy. I went from that shy quite person at the back of the room who keep my diabetes a secret and would hide to take my needles, to an outgoing advocate, who informs the world what living with diabetes is all about. We don’t always want to hear or believe what our parents is telling us is true (I have the most dedicated parents in the world). But for me, finding the CDA and volunteering with them, brought me back to reality. I enjoying speaking to people and sharing my experiences with them. I AM A DIABETES CHAMPION!”