My name is Maddie and I am almost 3 years old. It has been a tough road in my already short life! I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 27 months old, when my mommy and daddy brought me to my doctor because they knew something was not right. So, on August 10, 2013, my new life began. It will be the only life I know until there is a cure. Before T1D, my mom and dad were writing down all the things I did for the first time, like crawling, walking, and talking. Now my new firsts include spending a long time in the hospital, getting insulin shots, endless finger pricks, getting cool technology before my friends, dreaded pump site changes, and more that I’m unaware of at this time.

My mom and dad are teaching me how to handle the stress of my new daily life. They keep me calm so I can get adjusted to my new “normal.” I know that as I get older I’m going to be the one responsible for managing my care. Everyone says it will get easier, but does it? Or is this just my new life?

Breakthrough T1D has helped us in so many ways. They made me an amazing bag full of books and magazines to take home from the hospital, and even gave me my first diabetic friend, Rufus the bear. Rufus has helped me get through the tough new things I have to endure. My parents go to support groups once a month to feel like they belong somewhere that everybody gets it. As a Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassador, I have met other kids like me so I don’t feel alone. I look forward to getting more involved with Breakthrough T1D until we one day find a cure.

Please consider making a Fund A Cure donation in honor of Maddie and others living with T1D by clicking here.