I was 9-years old when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and was in the hospital for 2 weeks. I didn't know what this meant. I remember thinking that I would leave the hospital and be "all better" - no more shots. I remember running from my mom crying when she had to give me my first shot at home and my parents explaining that I need to take the shots everyday. I remember my mom giving me the shots everyday and my parents teaching me how to eat and bringing me to my doctor visits. I remember my teen years and having low blood sugar reactions. I remember my friends who supported me and cared for me - never shunning me. I remember taking responsibility for my health and how insulin, checking blood sugars regularly, exercise and eating right all play a vital role to controlling my diabetes. My parents instilled this in me. I then had my two wonderful daughters and it is a daily struggle to stay on top of my diabetic care now but it is something I am committed to. I witnessed my beloved grandfather live with type 1 diabetes and I pray everyday for a cure....for myself, for my children, for everyone. Diabetes is part of me and I felt inspired reading your stories of people leaving with diabetes. I always said there would not be a cure in my lifetime, but maybe my children's. Well there is always hope and I know that I want to instill in my children strength, optimism, and hope. A life worth living.

Shari
Hawthorne, NJ