Elyse still remembers what it felt like to return to middle school after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
“As someone who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13, I know firsthand how important and life-changing the medical advancements of diabetes treatment can be for growing youth! I remember coming back to middle school after my trip to the hospital where I was diagnosed feeling like my life had been flipped upside down and that my life would only get harder because of this. I quickly learned that this would not be the case.”
Over time, she realized she wasn’t walking into this alone.
“I still remember the nurses I met throughout my diabetic journey, who taught me about insulin shots, insulin pumps, CGMs, and so much more. Learning about these tools I had available to me made it seem just a little bit more manageable, taking me to where I am today where I can live my life with it, not despite it.”
That shift is everything. Not “overcoming” T1D. Not pretending it is easy. But finding a way to live fully alongside it.
“Research and advancements have changed my life for the better, allowing me to live my life to the fullest and do the things I love most, like hiking, swimming, bouldering, taking trips with my friends, serving others, and so much more. ”
Eight years after diagnosis, Elyse is building a future rooted in the same kind of care she once needed.
“I am now 21 years old, attending Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University, and studying to become a registered nurse. I aim to specialize in endocrinology and help newly diagnosed type 1 diabetics in their diagnosis journey as well!”
And she is clear about what made that future possible.
“Without the medical equipment and advancements I have had access to over these last 8 years, I wouldn’t be where I am today, doing the activities I love most ”
The moment giving back became possible
A lot of people care about T1D research. Most people want to help. But many assume fundraising is only for people with a big network, a formal event, or a lot of time.
Elyse’s experience is a reminder that it can start with a simple step.
“This is why I chose to plan my own fundraising event for Breakthrough T1D. As I looked into this more, I found Breakthrough T1D’s Your Way Program which has been such a big help in executing this. I just sent a simple email to Breakthrough T1D, and they responded back with all the help I could ever need to organize this event, including a link to make my own fundraising page, ideas for the event itself, contacts of people I can collaborate with, and so much more. I’ve been in contact with a representative from their organization throughout the whole process, and they truly have made it an enjoyable and easy process for me to give back to a community that means so much to me.”
That is what Breakthrough T1D Your Way is designed to do. Make it possible for people to turn what they love and what they have lived into meaningful momentum for the T1D community.
Your Way in real life
Your Way is not one specific kind of fundraiser. It is the fundraiser that fits you.
It can be a hike, a birthday, a personal challenge, a bake sale, a classroom project, or a team goal. This is about participation and the reminder that you do not have to wait for an invitation to make an impact.
Elyse did exactly that.
“For my fundraising event, as an ASU Barrett Honors student, I am collaborating with a nursing clinical director here at ASU and hosting a hiking event at the end of March! Gathering with my friends, family, and other type 1 diabetics to celebrate the opportunities we have available to us and raise awareness for more to come in the future!”
Ready to start your own or support Elyse
If you have an idea, even a small one, explore Breakthrough T1D Your Way and see how easy it can be to begin.
And if you want to stand with Elyse, you can support her fundraiser, join her team, or show up alongside her at the hike on March 28, 2026: www2.breakthrought1d.org/goto/BT1DxASUHikeforaCure
Elyse said it best:
“Help me give back to this organization so that the youth of today can have the same chance I did to live life to the fullest and achieve their dreams.”
