Rocking Without Limits to Benefit JDRF
in Volunteer
JACOB PEARLMAN, GUITAR
I was officially diagnosed with type 1 diabetes this past October. I knew a diagnosis was coming because I tested positive for 3 of the 5 antibodies through Trialnet when I was 8 years old. I have an older sister that has Type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed 10 years ago. Since there is a strong genetic component with type 1 diabetes, I was considered high risk.
My family has been fundraising for JDRF for the last 10 years. I have seen how life has improved for those living with type 1 diabetes since my sister was diagnosed when she was 6 years old. It is because of the fundraising efforts and the work JDRF does that has helped make these improvements possible. When my sister was first diagnosed there were no continuous glucose monitors. My sister had to prick her finger 10-15 times every day and throughout the night. Now, we just look at our pump, phone, or smartwatch and we can see our current blood sugar. No finger sticks. It makes our lives so much better. I hope for a cure but I appreciate the advancements in type 1 technology to help my sister Ava and I live a safer and happier life.
I wish people knew that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. There is no way to prevent it and there isn’t a cure- yet. I did not eat poorly. I also want people to know that a pump isn’t a cure. It is a tool that helps me stay in range but it is still a lot of work and it takes constant attention to stay safe. School of Rock house band has been the best thing that has happened to me. Being around other people that love music and performing as much as I do is what I love most. We automatically have something special in common and always want each other to succeed. My bandmates don’t treat me any differently after my T1D diagnosis. I am still Jacob. I am still a musician. My bandmates reminded me that T1D is just a part of me and what makes me who I am is my music and personality, not my diabetes.
TYLER FALES, GUITAR
I was diagnosed with Type 1 around the time I turned 14, and it definitely came as a surprise considering I’d been around that long without any signs of it. I think it goes without saying that middle school is an awkward time for, well, everyone, but having to deal with Type 1 on top of school and a changing social life definitely wasn’t easy. Lucky enough, I had music to help me through that time. At that age, I really started coming into my own as a performer, building a sort of persona and confidence that also started following me off-stage. When you find something you love doing, and it makes you feel like a better person, you realize that you’re stronger than your disease. Now, it’s almost ironic that I can help find a cure by doing what I love. I’ve conquered it mentally, now it’s time to give back and help the world conquer it physically.
Join School of Rock House Band Tripwire VIRTUALLY as they “Rock Without Limits” to benefit JDRF on Thursday, April 29th at 6:00PM. A donation of any amount will grant you access to the Livestream concert on April 29th, and a link will be emailed directly to you on the day of the event.