35 Faces, 35 years of Walking, 35 Reasons to Give

December 11, 2014 started off as what I thought was a quick trip to the Pediatrician’s office on the way to school where I had pre-Christmas activities to attend. Instead, 15 minutes later, we were on our way to the ER after hearing the life-changing news “you have type 1 diabetes (T1D)”. December 11th may have changed my life, but it didn’t change me!

From the moment I was diagnosed, my parents jumped in and got involved with Breakthrough T1D. We first went to a support group meeting in our area where we met other families and kids my age with T1D. In the fall, we formed a walk team – Team Amanda – and raised $8,000! My favorite way to fundraise is by sending emails (from my Mom’s email address of course!) In May, I participated in the Breakthrough T1D Hope Gala as an ambassador. There are so many ways to get involved with Breakthrough T1D!

On my first diaversary, I went to Children’s Healthcare and thanked the doctors and nurses who took care of me. I’ve learned that the best way to raise awareness for T1D is to take every opportunity to talk to people and explain what T1D is, what it means and how Breakthrough T1D is helping to find a cure.

What does a cure mean to me? No more finger pricks and shots!

Please consider supporting Amanda’s fundraising efforts by donating to her Breakthrough T1D One Walk team here.