I had been feeling sick, thirsty, and very tired. My mom took me to the doctor on a Thursday and I was checked for everything from the flu, to strep throat, to mono. They told me that I didn't have any of those things and other than having Thrush, they didn't know what was wrong. I had also lost nearly 40lbs in a matter of weeks.

I don't remember much about the following Monday when I was taken to the hospital. I remember my step dad carrying me to the car, and pieces of my mom driving me to a local hospital where my grandma worked. Once we were there, the triage nurse asked my mom how long I had been diabetic. Diabetic? Wait, what? Now, I remember my mom asking me if I thought I was diabetic weeks prior, but how was I supposed to know? They checked my blood sugar and it was 1009. They air lifted me to Tampa. I spent 4 days in ICU.

I'm now 25 years old.. It's been a ROUGH road of denial, MANY hospital visits, and stress, not only for myself, but also for those who love me the most. I don't remember what life was like before insulin injections and endo appointments.. I do know that those things are forever a part of life: and this life has been a crazy one, but I'm so proud of how far I have come. Even though the stress will remain, the denial is gone, and the hospital visits are no more. Life is tough, but so am I.

I don't know where I would be without the unconditional love and support of my WONDERFUL family, friends, and boyfriend.

Regan
Surfside Beach, SC