Last month, Vanessa celebrated her 14th Diaversary. In honor of November being National Diabetes Month, she decided to share her story with JDRF. Her reflections share a great perspective on life with type one diabetes (T1D) after a decade and a half of living with the disease. Here’s what Vanessa had to say.

On October 20th, 2000 my life changed forever. I might argue it was even for the better.  It made me see life from a whole new perspective. I know at times my friends want to block my posts because they get tired of hearing about diabetes, but

one of the joys I get out of living with type 1 diabetes is educating people!

I didn’t do anything to cause this to happen. I just happened to be a “lucky” chosen one. It’s not because I ate too much candy and although everyone seems to have a grandma with diabetes, the type I have is a little different. When you see Wilford Brimley on TV talk about “diabeetus”, as much as I would love to be associated with him, the type I have is a little different.

I proudly wear my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor 24/7 with the hopes that is will help me live a more normal, healthy life with few or no complications. I can still eat candy!!! (Shocker I know!) I can and will do anything I put my mind to, and nothing will stop me!

So, diabetes… It’s been a happy, healthy, 14 years. Even with sick days, highs, lows, and the thousands and thousands of finger sticks, insulin injections via syringe and pump, and continuous glucose monitor insertions – I have diabetes, but diabetes does NOT have me!

In celebration of my 14 year DIAVERSARY, (insulin) SHOTS ON ME!!!