I am submitting Katie as a Diabetes Champion. Once you read her story, you will know why! Katie has ALWAYS been a champion to me This is KATIE’S story:

Before my tenth birthday, I got very sick.  My mom took me to the emergency room and were told I had type 1 Diabetes. The only thing that I was thinking was that Stacey in the Baby Sitters Club books had diabetes. I wondered why my mom was crying. I stayed in Fredericton hospital for a week. We met Dr’s, nurses and dieticians who taught us about diabetes. We learned how to give a needle properly. Everything was different now.

I learned how to live with my new disease. I was good at counting carbohydrates quickly.  My mom made  me packs with juice, crackers, and peanut butter. When my blood sugar went too low I had a perfect snack. School was interesting. My mom spoke to my class about Diabetes. It was new for my teacher as well and she was excellent with learning along with us how to keep me safe at school. My class made me  cards and I still have them.

At first, I think I enjoyed the questions and attention.  I was a healthy diabetic. I never had to be hospitalized, I wasn’t sick. I had good control. I took good care of myself and tracked my blood sugar results like my Dr. asked me too. I wore my medic alert bracelet. I behaved.  On the inside, as I got older I also got angrier. I took care of myself, but I hated my disease and talking about it. On the inside I was screaming… I just wanted to be normal. I did not want to be the diabetic girl, the girl who took needles and checked her blood sugar all the time. I didn’t want to be the one that moms at birthday parties would make a big deal over because I had to have sugar-free pop. 

I was angry it had to be me. I was always the only one in my schools and circle of people I knew. Then came Diabetic Camp. It was a great experience — every kid there was just like me! We all took our needles, we all counted carbs and we all checked our blood sugar! I attended for two summers, and it was a perfect experience.

Through the years the diabetic supplies changed.  The best freedom came when my parents bought me an insulin pump; it is the most extraordinary gift my parents have ever given me. It changed my lifestyle. Most importantly it helped with how I felt about my diabetes. I felt more in control.

Diabetes keeps me grateful for many things. I’m thankful for everything I have now. I am healthy, young and able to dream. My diabetes is not something I hide anymore. When introducing myself, I would definitely say “Hello! I’m Katie and I am a diabetic!” It is a part of who I am and after 12 years I am at peace with that! My mom has walked this whole road with me. She and I were the only ones in that room with the Dr. when I was diagnosed, and she alone remembers. I am so thankful to her for everything.