It was the day after Thanksgiving in 1995. I was 8 years old. My mom noticed I was extremely thirsty, moody, and using the bathroom often. Since she had already had diabetes for several years, she knew to check my blood sugar. It was 411. After that, I spent 6 nights at Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI. I was excited because I was able to miss school and order all my meals from a hospital menu! I was even lucky enough to have my classmates make me get-well cards and have my third-grade teacher and school nurse visit me! I remember the nurses telling me that I had to take injections everyday and check my blood sugar frequently. My dad had to practice giving insulin injections on oranges because I was too young to give them to myself.
Throughout my adolescent years, I had a completely normal life. I ran cross-country and track-and-field, was in Honor Society, and had as much fun as any other teenage girl! After graduating, I pursued my dream of becoming an elementary teacher. I received my Bachelors and Masters Degree from Rhode Island College and have been teaching special education for the past five years. In recent years, I have ran more 5k's than I can count, three half marathons, and will soon reach my goal of completing a full marathon. I have the most supportive family, friends, and boyfriend than anyone could ever ask for. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful not only for their support, but for my health...and the fact that I was lucky enough to only get diagnosed with diabetes.
On November 24th, 2013, I will celebrate my 18th year anniversary of living with disease. I'm not sharing my story to brag or for pity, but to merely prove to any child or adolescent being diagnosed that diabetes will not control your life. It is simply a lifestyle that you will learn to adapt to. November is Diabetes Awareness Month and if we all support diabetes research and make the public aware of this disease, a cure will soon be found!
Warwick, RI
