Editor’s note: This is the fourth post in the series, “ALL OF US,” by Chelsea Lugone and family, who will share their T1D journey onstage at the 2024 JDRF Central PA Gala on May 18^th. Whether or not you are able to join them at the event, you can still support their efforts with a 100% tax-deductible Fund A Cure gift today to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs in T1D research.

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ALL OF US: From T1D Diagnosis to T1D Dedication

 

From the moment I met my diabetes educator, Mary, my career path took a shift.  I was a pre-dental student and left it for nursing.  I knew I wanted to be someone who could help people the way Mary helped me.  The professional journey I have been on has been incredible and something I am grateful for each and every day.

 

When I started in diabetes education, I loved seeing the “lightbulb go off” for people.  Helping those who had lived with diabetes for a long time to finally understand what was going on, or to see how things could impact their glucose, I just loved it!  Still, the one limitation I felt was not being able prescribe and diagnose, so I decided to go back to school to be a Nurse Practitioner.

 

I always say that “one does need to have type 1 diabetes (T1D) in order to be wonderful at working in diabetes.”  However, I do understand how helpful it can be when someone tells me that, “diabetes has just been hard lately,” and I respond, “I get it,” totally judgment-free, because I do understand.  I also have hard times with T1D, as do my children.  It is normal and I NEVER want anyone to EVER feel judged about their glucose, their A1C, or their management.  When it comes to diabetes, the one thing that is true for ALL OF US is that blood sugars are like people; they are not perfect!

 

Whenever someone shares with me that they are interested in working in the same field as I do or that they want to be like me, oh, how I could just jump from my seat with excitement!  I really do believe that we need more people entering into the field of diabetes; whether through patient care, research, product development/growth, support… there are so many different ways to get involved!

 

One of the most rewarding things in my life has been the ability to help any person I can with T1D.  It is an honor, a joy, and yes, at times there has been heartache in it as well.  But it’s also important to know that you don’t have to go into healthcare to make a difference!  Some of the most impactful moments and interactions I have had stem from my role as a volunteer at JDRF and being able to support our community!

 

I love connecting with others impacted by T1D and I want everyone to know there are so many opportunities outside of our career paths to get involved and make a difference for yourself and for others!  If you have ever wanted to explore more of what a job in diabetes might be like, I strongly encourage you to do so.  If you ever wanted to know how you can get more connected or help others impacted by T1D – please join us!

 

Although T1D has brought many things into my family’s life that I would never wish on anyone, it has also brought me a lot of amazing friends, support people, tips for living my best life with T1D, and a never-ending ability to feel good about giving back!  In many ways, T1D has helped me be who I am today; caring, giving, strong, inquisitive, a lover of learning, hopeful, positive and grateful!

 

On occasion, people will ask how I can work in my field when my life is so heavily saturated with T1D.  Personally, even though both my personal and professional lives are so centered around it – I never get sick of it!  I love the opportunity to educate, advocate, and learn everything I can about it!

• Do you have a career that involves T1D or have you ever thought about pursing one that does?
• Do you think working in diabetes would be a positive or negative? What makes you feel that way?
• Do you or have you ever volunteered in the diabetes/T1D space before? What kinds of things have you done and how did they impact you and others?
• Have you wanted to volunteer but something has prevented you from doing so? If so, what has prevented you from getting involved? 
• Has T1D shaped who you are today? What words would you use to describe how T1D has impacted your personality or abilities?

 

We would love for you to share your story.  Our hope is to share all of our stories at the 2024 JDRF Central PA Gala because this is about #ALLOFUS.  For the chance for your story to be included on signage at the Gala, e-mail abreining@jdrf.org and/or tag your story on social media with: #ALLOFUS #JDRFCentralPAGala #JDRFWestCentralPA