Danielle's Personal Page

Diabetes touches all of us in some way.  Perhaps it is your child, family member, co-worker or friend.  In my case, it is me.  My life changed forever on May 3, 1993.  At just 11 years old, I needed to rely on my family to help me with countless injections, finger pricks and all the highs and lows that come with type 1 diabetes.  I didn't ask for this.  I didn't deserve this.  I didn't do anything to cause this yet here I was, trapped with a pancreas that didn't work for the rest of my life.  It is a very tough pill to swallow and the irony is that it would be a lot easier if I could just swallow a pill instead of shot after shot after shot. 

A lot of people will often say to me "It could be worse."  Personally, that drives me nuts!  Imagine thinking of your disease every three minutes.  Then once you get that down, try juggling at the same time.  Try to push the fears of complications such as blindness, heart disease, and kidney failure out of your mind.  Diabetes is a constant balancing act between insulin, exercise, food, stress, and hormones.  Do I have my meter?  Do I need a snack?  What?s my blood sugar?  How many carbs are in that dish?  It never ends...

One thing we all know is that life goes on.  There are advancements now that I never could have dreamed of.  Researchers right now are working on an artificial pancreas, an automated system to better control my blood sugar!  That's just one thing, the JDRF pipeline is impressive.  JDRF has a plan for a world without diabetes.  However, in order for these advancements to continue we need money.  I invite you to support me in JDRF's biggest fundraising event, Walk to Cure Diabetes. 

Thank you for your support!           

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