James Whiddon, 18, a Baltimore resident was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout. We talked to James about his recent accomplishment and how his diagnosis with T1D at the age of 6 has helped him overcome adversity.
The Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank available in the Boy Scouting program.
Q: How difficult was it becoming an Eagle Scout? What was the hardest activity?
A: It definitely wasn’t an easy accomplishment, but so worth it in the end. The hardest activity, and funny enough my favorite, is winter camping. It’s always a balancing act: eyeballing the food that I eat, testing regularly, etc. Sometime I forget to take my insulin because I’m having too much fun. It really forces me to be prepared, which is what makes a good Scout.
Whiddon (second from left) at the award ceremony
Q: What would you say to someone who told you they didn’t think someone with type one could be capable of being an Eagle Scout?
A: I would say that’s ridiculous. I have type one. I’m an Eagle Scout and a diabetic. I believe someone with type one can be anything they want to be. This disease doesn’t define me, how I respond to the challenge of having it does.
Q: What advice would you give to others who have T1D?
A: It’s funny because I really don’t consider myself a perfect role model when it comes to diabetes. I don’t take it lightly, but I always feel I could be doing a more thorough job when it comes to management. I guess I would say that diabetes is a constant up and down, but the numbers and your levels don’t make you who you are. Only you can decide that.
