My name is Ceci Komminsk and I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes (T1D) on December 29, 2006. Living with T1D can be very challenging but there are many organizations that make it much easier. This summer, I attended two of these organizations; Friends for Life and Clara Barton Camp for Diabetics Education.

On July 21st, I traveled to Orlando, Florida with my best friend who I met at Clara Barton Camp many years ago. My friend had been to this conference several times and told me I would absolutely love it, and I was lucky enough to go with her family. Friends for Life is presented by Children With Diabetes. It is an international group of children and adults with (or with connections to) Diabetes. I learned a lot about new technology and advancements. We went to various meetings about a lot of different topics including how to manage diabetes through sports, eating etc. I met a lot of amazing people that were a lot like me. We were there for 5 days, one of which we got to go to Epcot in Disney World, what an amazing experience! I had a lot of fun being on my own with my friends and being able to be independent. There was also a teen dance the night before we left where we got to be around our friends for the last night. It was an experience I will never forget and people I will never forget. This conference was incredibly important to me because I was able to connect with people that I could relate to. I recommend this conference to anyone who is Diabetic, who knows someone who is Diabetic, or if you are just interested in Diabetes! I cannot wait to go back next year!

For the fifth year, I went to Clara Barton Camp for Diabetes Education. Clara Barton Camp is a sleepaway camp for girls with T1D, there is also a boy’s camp called Camp Joslin. At both these camps, all campers are diabetics and most of the staff and nurses are also diabetic which is really cool! Being surrounded by that many people just like me is a super feeling. It makes me happy that my family feels comfortable enough sending me away for 2 weeks to this camp. This year was my Bartonia Year which is a ceremony for the campers and staff that have been attending Clara Barton for 5 years. I was very proud to be standing in front of everyone to receive my very special pin. I would consider Clara Barton my second home and the girls are my family. From camp activities to dance nights to checking our blood sugar together, I would do anything for these girls. To anyone that is considering attending or sending their child to Clara Barton or Joslin Camp I would 100% recommend it. All ages will have a great experience and will make lifelong friends. I am so in love with it there and the people that make it special. Thank you, Clara Barton, for raising me to be the person I am and to the girls that I couldn’t live without <3 There is so much love for this camp.

By Ceci Komminsk, age 15