My name is Justin Shadley and I have had type 1 diabetes for 21 years as of this coming September. I as of yesterday decided I wanted to show my support for research and teaching people about diabetes by permanently tattooing the ribbon on my chest. I have not been the best diabetic as far as caring for myself but in the last 5 years I have been trying really hard to control it and not let it control me. Unfortunately due to the lack of care on my part I am losing. I have severe neuropathy in both legs, retinopothy in both eyes. I'm just a mess but I still try to maintain a healthy outlook even though I constantly feel like its winning.

Justin Shadley
Athens, IL