Although the story that I am going to elaborate on may include a lifetime disease that I will have to worry about for the rest of my life, it is essential to point out the benefits of being a victim of it. To begin with, I would love to start by defining fortunate, for having diabetes makes me feel that way.  Being fortunate is about being thankful for your everyday life and expressing appreciation for the positive circumstances we face.  I consider myself fortunate because I am blessed for the goodness in my everyday life and for my healthy lifestyle. Before diabetes became a part of my everyday lifestyle, I was beginning my experience in high school. As my freshman year of high school began, I was placed in an environment where your production in school can determine the fate of your college aspirations. In this extremely pressuring atmosphere, I began to deal with significant amounts of stress from the expectations that I needed to meet. Midway through the year, the stress intensified after hearing shocking news that I would be living with a chronic illness for the rest of my life. The news presented from the doctor was the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D): an autoimmune disease (when the body attacks itself) that destroys certain cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body move glucose contained in food into cells throughout the body, which use it for energy. If insulin is not produced in the body, then glucose accumulates in the blood, thus, causing serious damage to all organs of the body. Upon hearing this news, I was in disbelief that I needed to be treated for a chronic illness for the rest of my life. In the beginning of my diagnosis I questioned, “Why me? Why am I the victim of this disease?” Diabetes came to me like an unexpected pop quiz. You weren’t ready for the news and everything seemed so overwhelming. I was basically taught a different routine and lifestyle that would be a part of my life, for the rest of it, in one day. Checking blood sugars before every meal, driving, sports, working out and bed was something that I needed to do. Counting carbohydrates and understanding the types of food I am consuming. Imagine an individual telling you that you would have to change something that you have been doing for such a long time. It’s like telling a baseball player that he can no longer hit with his dominant side and has to train the opposite side. It takes a whole lot of determination and will power to alter your lifestyle completely.  However, after a quick adjustment to the disease because of a strong mindset and a supportive family, I was able to recognize the gift of life. I became eligible for wearing an insulin pump after demonstrating to the faculty at North Shore- LIJ that I was responsible to take on such a privilege. I chose the Omni Pod and for the past couple of years I have not stopped loving it.  I evaluated my enjoyment in life after living with T1D for approximately six months, and I realized that the illness did not limit me to anything I previously participated in. Whether it was extracurricular activities such as playing baseball for my travel team, going to the gym, or swimming in my pool, I was still able to continue my passions. I view T1D as the “best” chronic illness to get diagnosed with, for if we victims maintain proper management of our condition, we can continue to pursue our dreams and desires. As ironic as it sounds, I am fortunate to have T1D. Diabetes allowed for me to meet wonderful people and establish strong relationships among them; whether it’s the doctors and nurses at North Shore LIJ, or other victims of the disease. Furthermore, it also brought my family together as well, for it was an effort that required the participation of all of them. We gradually learned about it every day and collaborated as a unit in order to increase our understanding of my new lifestyle. I feel a sense of relief  having diabetes, for I recognize that the cards that I was dealt with could’ve been worse. I am a firm believer in things happening for a reason; however, I do not consider our fates being predetermined. Diabetes came into my life because some divine figure such as God knows that I can bring great positives and advocacy for the disease. I am extremely devoted in participating in all fundraisers and activities to raise awareness and gather support for the disease. I was born in a technological era that provides significant amounts of hope for all victims of the disease; thus, with hard work and extreme amounts of effort, it’s a matter of time until diabetes has a solution. I plan on expanding my influence, participation and aid to all of those who are associated with diabetes.

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