Hi my name is Lucy and I am 8 years old.  I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in January last year. The day I found out I had diabetes I was called down to my nurse’s office at school where I saw my mom and dad waiting for me.  I didn’t understand why my mom and dad weren’t at work and I felt confused.  My school nurse explained to me that I had diabetes and told me what that meant.  My parents told me that I would be going with them to the hospital.  I told them that if I was going to get a shot I would need “sleeping gas” to help me relax because I would be really afraid.    I didn’t know that shots would become a part of my everyday life and that I would never be able to get away from them.

I found out while I was in the hospital how brave I really am.  Now shots and finger pricks don’t bother me.  I get them all the time.  I have gotten used to diabetes.  I have to get my finger pricked about 7 times a day now.  I also have an insulin pump which helps me get my insulin.

I am lucky that I have a lot of people that help me like my mom, my dad and my nurse.  I try to be as healthy as I can and I hope one day there is a cure.  I have a team called “I Love Lucy” and we raised over $15,000 last year to help find a cure for diabetes.  I loved being at the walk with all of the people who also want to find a cure.  Being on my own team made me feel important and very special.

One day I want to be able to come home from school and get a snack just like my brother without counting carbs, testing my blood sugar and getting insulin.  I can’t wait for that day and hope it comes soon.  I will be so excited for the day when I get my very last shot and finger prick.  I will celebrate with chocolate ice cream with chocolate fudge on top.

CHECK OUT LUCY’S WALK VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V1hsyW2r1E