2 minute read
Living with Diabetes
Every year we feature a particular charity. This year we chose Diabetes Canada: Diabetic Camp for Children. The following three stories reflect love, courage and a quiet determination. Eva (14) developed diabetes at age 7, Jenny (36) at the age of 11 and Dianne (70) at the age of 12. Their positive outlook and grateful attitude helps them get through the everyday challenges of living with diabetes since childhood. Eva
On December 21, 2011, my life took a dramatic turn.
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I was only seven years old, but I was diagnosed with type one diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease that stops the production of insulin, which is a hormone used to break down carbohydrates and glucose in my pancreas.
My family and I were living in Toronto, Canada, and it was a significant change for us. My mom had to learn all about diabetes, how to treat me, target blood sugars, and so much more. I will forever be grateful to her for always willing to take care of me.
As technology advanced, I became older and am now able to manage my diabetes by myself. I am now fourteen, and now instead of using needles and doing finger pokes, I use the OmniPod and Dexcom G6. And while a cure still hasn’t been discovered, I have lots of hope for a cure in the future.
Every year, my family drives up to Canada, a long and tiring 17-hour drive from where we live, to go to camp. My sisters always go to the same all-girls camp each year, and every year I go to a separate camp. I go to Camp Huronda for two weeks, which is an all-diabetic, overnight camp, meaning every camper that attends the camp is diabetic. As well as the campers being diabetic, most of the counselors also have diabetes. This camp has changed my life for the better. I am always so excited when I think about returning to camp. I have made so many friends there, some of which are my best friends. I still keep in touch with them, even though I live in America, and they all live in Canada.
My best friend at camp is Megan, who I call Meg or Nutmeg. She is probably one of my best friends outside of camp. We always request to be in the same cabin, and we always sign up for the same activities, which usually include Mountain Biking and Pottery. Besides from Meg, I have so many close friends from camp who I still keep in touch with, including Ben, Liam, Audrey, Ella, Nicole, and Paris. I think the reason I’m still such great friends with them is that I can relate to them. They
