CHARLOTTE TUCKER SCHOLARSHIP ERIN DOYLE’S STORY

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2003 when I was 8 years old. At the time, my dad was losing a battle with melanoma, so my family and I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals and doctor’s offices. We had no idea what type 1 diabetes was. We had never even heard of it. I remember complaining about side pain, so my mom took me to the hospital thinking it was an appendicitis. The doctors didn’t know what the side pain was, which later turned out to be a hernia, but before I could pack up all my toys and go home, they wanted to run one more test. That’s when they gave me a sugary drink and tested my blood sugar and found it very high. They recommended we make an appointment at the Barbara Davis Center to learn about diabetes and how to not only manage and live with but thrive and succeed with it.

I went through elementary and middle school being the only diabetic in class, so it was very crucial that I had the Barbara Davis Center and their incredible staff to help me feel supported and “normal.” They gave me hope that I could still reach and accomplish my dreams in life.

I always knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. I loved being on stage acting, singing, and dancing. It was my passion, and I wasn’t going to let a little incurable autoimmune disease get in my way. But there was something that made it a little difficult, and that was tuition. The staff at the Barbara Davis Center watched me grow up, so they knew when I was looking at colleges and suggested I look at the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship. I didn’t know you could get a scholarship for being a type 1 diabetic. It actually made me feel really cool, and I would often find myself bragging about it. I received the scholarship for four full years of college, and I honestly believe that without that scholarship I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have felt the freedom to pursue my dreams without stressing about tuition. I already had grades, blood sugars, jobs, and an internship to worry about, but with the Charlotte Tucker Scholarship I could actually focus on achieving my dreams.

I graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a degree in Music Business and now work at Audacy as a producer and on-air personality on Alice 105.9. I work directly with Slacker and Steve, who first introduced me to radio when they came to my middle school for career day, so to work with two of the most well-known radio personalities in the state straight of out college is a dream come true, and I couldn’t have done it without the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. I love seeing other type 1 diabetics point out my insulin pump on the station’s social media pages. It reminds me that there are other people who can relate to what you’re going through, and there is an incredible support system at the Barbara Davis Center and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.