I was diagnosed with T1D on July 13, 2013, when I was only 4 years old. Being in the hospital was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my short life! Artwork helped me get through the tough days in the hospital. I felt better after I left the hospital, but it was hard for me to adjust to my new “normal” life of testing and always having to wear a special bracelet to tell everyone I have T1D. Everyone tells me it’s more important now to stay active, so I take dance classes, karate lessons, and swimming lessons, but T1D makes it hard sometimes if I am low or don’t feel well. Most of the time, I can eat what I want, but it’s hard to understand what a “balanced” diet is, when all my friends can eat whatever they want! Because of my diabetes, I want to be a doctor when I grow up so I can help others stay healthy. I love being a Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassador so I am part of the fight to cure T1D!

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