Having a diabuddy at school made a huge difference.

Do you have a diabestie? Someone who helps you navigate life with type 1 diabetes (T1D), someone who you can vent to and who completely understands the wins and frustrations of life with T1D?

Today, June 8, is National Best Friends Day! Thank you for always being there with glucose tabs, pep talks, and a shoulder to lean on. Type 1 to type 1, caregiver to caregiver, loved one to loved one—all different types of T1D connections make a huge difference. We are not alone—you are not alone—and we celebrate our greatest supporters, today and every day!

In light of this uplifting holiday, we’re spotlighting two very special diabuddies within our chapter—Dominic DeSimone and Danny Shields of Montgomery County! Learn more about their special bond below.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Danny and Dom met in kindergarten but were not in the same first-grade class,” explains Danny’s mother, Amy. “When Danny was diagnosed a year ago (June 30, 2017), he didn’t realize that Dom had T1D. He felt very alone.

“Another Hallowell Elementary School mom sent me a Facebook message asking if I knew about Dom and his fabulous mom, Mindy. I told her that I would love to speak with Mindy and hopefully get the boys together before second grade started. She reached out to Mindy for me, and before long I was able to call or text Mindy with my concerns and questions.

“Mindy and Dom came over for dinner, and he was explaining his Dexcom and insulin pump to Danny. Danny was excited to see Dom check his own blood sugar, and that helped him want to take more of an active role in his diabetes care. Dom has had T1D for several years and took Danny under his wing. At school, they go to the nurse together daily.

“Through the JDRF One Walk, Danny knows he is not alone—but having a diabuddy at school made a huge difference. Dom and Mindy are my heroes!”

Mindy echoes, “I feel blessed to have another mom to talk to who gets it.”

Danny enjoys having Dom as a diabuddy.

“I like walking to the nurse with Dom every day,” Danny shares. “He helped me feel better when I was first diagnosed. When we have low blood sugar, we both get shaky, hungry, and dizzy. No one else in my class understands type 1 diabetes, and some don’t want to know about it, so it is good to have someone to talk to.”

Dom chimes in: “It feels good to have someone like me.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

We encourage you to learn more about T1D Connections resources available to both newly diagnosed children and adults, as well as how to connect with your Eastern PA T1D community, by reaching out to our JDRF office at philadelphia@jdrf.org or 610-664-9255.