Alexis – Age 17

Even when I began drinking excessive amounts of liquids and lost ten pounds within two weeks, I don’t think the word “diabetes” ever crossed my parents’ minds. I was convinced that I was fine; however, my parents knew that something was wrong.

I was only eight years old at the time of my diagnosis, but I will never forget the look of urgency on my doctor’s face when my blood test results were displayed on the computer. My mom was told that I was already admitted to the UW Children’s Hospital, and before we realized it, my fight against type 1 diabetes began. My family has no history of diabetes—type 1 or type 2—so we were very unfamiliar with all aspects of the disease. Although I thought I understood at the time, I had no idea how much my life was about to change. I didn’t understand how lancets, test strips, syringes, and the word “insulin” would become such an important part of my life so fast.

One year after my diagnosis, I was able to get started on my insulin pump. While I will be forever grateful for my insulin pump that increases my flexibility in the diabetes world, I won’t say the process of adjusting to my insulin pump was easy. Even though I’ve had this disease for nine years now, the struggles don’t disappear with time. I’ve gotten used to the nine finger-pokes per day, needle insertions, and other things that come along with diabetes, but there are days when I still feel like I’ve failed myself and allowed my defeat to diabetes. Coping with type 1 diabetes is emotionally and mentally exhausting, but I am thankful that I have many people in my life cheering me on. Without the support coming from my friends, family, and Dr. Connor’s team, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am now!

My family and I have had the honor of being the Fund A Cure family at the 2010 JDRF Spring Gala and I continue to participate in the JDRF One Walk annually. Since my diagnosis, my team—Alexis’ Angels—have raised over $20,000 for diabetes research! Without research and fundraising organizations like JDRF, I wouldn’t be as hopeful as I am for my future as a type 1 diabetic. I will be a senior in high school this fall, and I am planning on continuing my education by studying nursing, and eventually becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator. I have a passion for helping others, especially those with diabetes. I encourage other diabetics to keep fighting and commend them for their continued dedication to this disease.

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Alexis and her family will be participating in this year’s JDRF One Walk in Madison, you can visit their page to learn more! Thank you, Alexis, for sharing your story.

If you want to submit a story about your diabetes journey like Alexis, please contact Jen Allen!