Chris Rich: In the Driver's Seat
New York, NY, August 6, 2003--Chris Rich, 19, of Massachusetts, was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes (type 1 diabetes) when he was just 5. "I don't remember much about my life before diabetes," Chris says. "It's always been a huge part of my daily routine. I
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| Chris's senior photo |
work hard to keep my blood sugars in good range, but there are always surprises with this disease."
For several years after his diagnosis, Chris says, he relied heavily on his parents' support. "Obviously, no kid likes shots," he explains. "It was always a big deal. I always had a hard time managing the disease." But gradually, Chris adjusted and began checking his own blood sugars at 8 years old, and giving himself insulin shots at 10. He got his first
insulin pump at age 14, and became increasingly responsible for his own care. "I still had guidance from my parents, though," he explains. "It's been a gradual process learning to take care of myself."
The transition from childhood to adolescence, then adolescence to young adulthood, is difficult for anyone. For those with type 1 diabetes, and their families, the issues are even more complex. Things like driving, socializing, and going to college present a host of potential dangers that those without type 1 diabetes don't have to think about. In Chris's case, the insulin pump has been a lifesaver in more ways than one. For instance, going on the pump a few years before he got his driver's license gave both Chris and his parents greater peace of mind when it was time for him to get behind the wheel. "I'm always careful to test my blood sugar before driving," he says. "I watch myself very carefully, and it's a lot of effort, but the pump makes everything much easier."
Good thing, because driving is something Chris happens to be very passionate about. He and his dad, also named Chris,
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| Chris racing his VW GTI on the New Hampshire International Speedway, June 2003 |
are into auto racing, competing about once a month at local events. "I've always been into cars," Chris says. "I got my first car, a 1996 Volkswagen GTI, when I was 16. I started fixing it up and I ended up doing a lot of engine work."
Noticing Chris's interest, a friend of his dad's suggested he check out a local sports car club, which had a racing series. Chris and his dad visited the club, and were hooked. "I've only been racing for about a year or two," he says, "but I really enjoy it. Driving on the track is a completely different experience from driving on the road. You really find out how good a driver you are."
Chris competed in an event at the New Hampshire International Speedway in June, and plans to participate in another 2-day event there this weekend, August 9 and 10. "In terms of diabetes management, the demands of a race day are very different from a regular day, so I have to test even more frequently," says Chris. "When I'm not driving, I'm observing or working the course & setting up cones, waving flags; I'm active all day." Chris says he always tests his blood before getting on the course, and keeps juice in his car and glucose in his pocket. "You have to stay focused on your management," he explains. "A couple of times I've gone low during a race day, but fortunately I haven't really had to miss out on anything yet."
Last fall, Chris left home in Wayland, Massachusetts to attend Boston College and live on campus. Such a major transition can be especially traumatic for a family dealing with type 1 diabetes. But again, Chris says, the pump has made all the difference, allowing him greater flexibility in his meal and exercise schedule, and preventing dangerous low blood sugars in the middle of the night. "The decision to live on campus wasn't really a big issue, since I've had such success using the pump for the past several years," he says.
The Riches, which also include mom Ginny, brother Adam, 16, and sister Lindsay, 14, stay close, skiing together on vacations, and continuing to walk as Team Cure, with several other local families, in JDRF's
Walk to Cure Diabetes. They also attend JDRF galas and other special events. Moira McCarthy-Stanford, President of JDRF's
New England/Bay State Branch, has had the opportunity to get to know Chris and his family over the past few years, and says Chris is a great role model for young people with juvenile diabetes. "He's an inspiration," she says.
Chris's passion for speed isn't limited to the racetrack--he is also committed to helping JDRF speed the path to a cure. He'll be raising funds and awareness for his Walk team at Boston College this fall, as he's done at his high school in the past. An economics major, Chris isn't quite sure where the future will take him, but he is sure that with the love and support of family and friends, he is equipped to make the most of his life--with or without type 1 diabetes.
