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

Hi! My name is Caroline. I was diagnosed with T1D when I was 12 years old. I found out I had T1D after being sick with pneumonia and a sinus infection for several weeks. My mom knew something just wasn’t right and took me to the doctor for more tests. My blood sugar was 498! Since I was diagnosed, my parents have been advocates for Breakthrough T1D. This year will be our 3rd year walking. Since my first walk, we have raised over $30,000! Last year my team was the highest family team in Greenville, SC – and it was a huge surprise to me! I was so excited to raise so much money for a cure! My Mom and I post on Facebook and send e-mails to friends and family members asking them to come walk and donate to our team. It is always fun to see everyone in their team t-shirts walking. 

Raising awareness about T1D is something I am passionate about. I recently had the chance to speak to the Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Toxicology Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee of the FDA about my CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor). It was so cool! Breakthrough T1D’s Chief Mission Officer and VP of Research, Aaron Kowalski, was there too. You can view the video of Dr. Kowalski and I speaking here. People always ask me what can they do to help. The first way others can help is by asking questions. If you don’t understand or want to know more, just ask! Also, others can share my Breakthrough T1D One Walk page, ask me to speak at their group activity, and come walk with us on walk day! I want people to know that T1D will never stop me, but it is a factor in everything I do. A cure of T1D means no longer having to worry about my blood sugar levels – no more finger pricks and no more stopping fun activities to make sure I am at a safe level.

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