Emily is almost 6…she loves everything about life. She embraces art, music, sports, reading, her family and friends and she knows the true meaning of perseverance and determination. Diagnosed 15 months ago, hearing the words that our daughter had Type 1 Diabetes, came as a shock to us all. On that day, we had two choices. We could let it define us or we would embrace our new “forever.” We knew what was ahead. We learned. We cried. We researched. We made mistakes. We relied on our family and friends for support and began to move forward. We never turned back. We had no choice.

It was the winter holiday break when Emily was diagnosed. We were home on vacation from school and we had time to learn and utilize resources to guide us in taking care of a child who we now looked at in a different light. We met with doctors, nutritionists, nurses and very importantly, befriended those on the other end of the phone at Breakthrough T1D. We are forever grateful to those at Breakthrough T1D who have the knowledge, faith and trust in themselves to support “new” parents as we were on December 24, 2014.

Then, came the scary part. School. Could Emily go to school? Who would take care of her? How would this work? More phone calls. Many conversations. Emily had to switch schools and was set to start a new school merely 2 weeks after her diagnosis. It was one of the most difficult things we had to do..trust others with our daughter’s life. It was the best decision we ever made. We could have kept Emily home, sheltered in the comforts of our home where we could control everything. That was in no way fair to her. She walked into her new school that cold January day and her smile and exciting thoughts of having not one, but TWO sets of friends…she was elated. She had the most amazing experience at pre-school and was prepared for Kindergarten.

Raising a child with T1D is a 24/7 role. Days, nights, hours, minutes…it is constantly with you and it is our hope that there will be cure to help all of these young lives affected in a way that is out of their control.   Emily was fortunate to go on an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor shortly after her diagnosis which greatly helps the overwhelming and daunting reliance of many shots per day. What many don’t realize is that children with T1D need insulin to survive. You want some pretzels..you need insulin. A light snack…more insulin. Numbers are everything..blood glucose levels, counting carbs, CGM readings, corrections, bolus amounts…our reliance on technology is integrated into who we are.

We have since day one of her diagnosis tried with every ounce of our being to ensure that Emily didn’t feel ‘different’ because she has diabetes. We need to continue to fund the research which is critical to securing a healthy future for those living with T1D. For all of the children living day today with T1D who openly and secretly wish for a cure, we need to empower their wishes and financially support the efforts of Breakthrough T1D. On behalf of Emily and those living with T1D…these kids are strong. There’s nothing going to break their stride.

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