December’s “Heart to Heart: T1D Caregiver Spotlight” is on Joyce Singh from Treasure Island, Florida! Joyce’s daughter, Sam, was diagnosed with T1D at just 4 years old. At the time, the Singh family knew nothing about T1D. Now, 12 years later, Sam has been an awesome advocate for all those living with this disease – from attending Children’s Congress in 2017, to serving as a youth ambassador, to speaking to corporate sponsors, and participating in our annual Walk.

Most recently, Sam was chosen out of many other applicants to represent JDRF on the national level as a National Youth Ambassador Leader. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Sam’s mom, Joyce, and their determination to create a world without T1D. Joyce has gone through all the highs and lows with their family and learned some helpful tips for caring for a loved one with T1D throughout the years. Below you will find some insightful, realistic advice and information that comes with being a T1D caregiver: 

Throughout your child’s T1D journey, what have been the biggest challenges you faced?

Joyce explains that one of the biggest challenges is to accept the fact that you can only do your best to keep your child healthy – accepting the fact that so many things affect their blood sugars, and you can never control them all.  Further, “the other challenge is trying to do it alone.  All my family is very supportive, but all of them are hundreds of miles away.  Thankfully, our JDRF family has been there for us!”

The Singh family recently celebrated Sam’s 12-year “diaversary.” She notes that JDRF has been with them through it all over the years. And Rufus the bear? Still a fixture in Sam’s room!

While adjusting to life with a child with type 1 diabetes, are there certain things you found that helped you better manage their disease? What about something that helped give you hope when you were just getting started?

After Sam was diagnosed with T1D, knowing that they were not alone helped the Singh family adjust to the initial shock of the disease. Having a JDRF mentor reach out to them immediately after the diagnosis and being sent a Bag of Hope while in the hospital really helped them cope at the time.

“Adjusting to T1D was a struggle; it was hard, very hard. But knowing there were many people working towards a cure and being involved with the JDRF family definitely gave us hope then, and still does today.”

What skills/lessons has raising a T1D child taught you? For a parent of a newly diagnosed T1D, how would you compare those feelings to now? 

“The biggest lesson is patience and unconditional love and support,” says Joyce. “With time, technology and building your support system can and will get you through it.  Never be afraid to reach out and ask for help!”

Can you touch on why it’s important for T1D caregivers to come together?

Joyce explains that it’s so hard to do all this on your own, for you and your child – you need the support of others going through what you are going through and knowing that they “get it.” They understand completely and your child needs that reassurance as much as the parent.

JDRF has many support groups for those living with T1D and their caregivers – for more information, visit jdrf.org/t1d-resources/personal-support/. If you’re looking for local support in the Northern Florida area, send an email to northernflorida@jdrf.org and we will make sure you get connected with other families, support groups, and events we host throughout the year.

What has JDRF meant to/done for your family?

“JDRF has connected us to the T1D community that has been our support system for 12 years,” says Joyce. “Through One Walks, Galas, Summits, Youth Ambassador involvement and outreach events, they keep us connected and informed.  We have met some of our best and life-long friends through JDRF involvement.” 

What is the most important thing you would want other parents of children with T1D to know?

 “You never know how strong you really are until being strong is your only option,” explains Joyce. “You will amaze yourself and be amazed at your child with all you can do.  In the words of Sam many years ago, ‘I am bigger, braver and stronger than T1D.’”

A True T1D Champion

Throughout the years, Joyce has served on the Tampa Bay Community Board of Directors as the outreach chair and has gone above and beyond to provide the best life for Sam.  We believe that because of parents and caregivers like Joyce, the children living with T1D in our community are given the support and care they need to succeed in life and in managing their disease. To anyone caring for a child with T1D, please know that you are not alone in the sleepless nights and heavy days. JDRF Northern Florida is here to help you and can connect you with a network of other T1D caregivers to share advice, struggles, and words of encouragement.

For more information or to submit someone for our “Heart to Heart: T1D Caregiver Spotlight,” please contact Brooks Biagini at BBiagini@JDRF.org.