I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was 5 years old. It was my first or second week of kindergarten, and I remember being so incredibly thirsty all of the time. Since I was drinking so much water, my parents got me little paper Dixie cups to carry around with me so that I could get water by myself from our fridge. After a few days of incessant thirst, my parents took me to a doctor who diagnosed me with Type 1 Diabetes. I wanted to be prepared for my trip to the hospital, so I decided to bring my little package of Dixie cups along because I knew that I would be thirsty. My mom was there to help me secure my cups in my suitcase, and comforted me by saying that I could reach for the cups if I needed them.

My mom supported me when I was first diagnosed, and continues to be my biggest advocate 20 years later. She was also the one who introduced me to the Breakthrough T1D. When I was little, she would collect donations from neighbors year after year, and would always say that the Breakthrough T1D was “our” cause that we had to work to support. Hearing this made me feel like I didn’t have to go through all of the ups and downs alone.

After I graduated from college, I decided that I want to become more involved with the Breakthrough T1D. I didn’t want to work on it alone, so I asked my mom to join me. Last summer, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of my diagnosis by creating a team and raising money for the Walk for the Cure. We helped solicit donations for the DC Gala, and we were able to encourage local business to help support our cause. I wouldn’t be the diabetic I am today without my mom, and I can’t wait to collaborate with her on more events for many years to come.