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For Sadie, finding the T1D community has made all the difference.<\/p>\nWhen Sadie Dunne was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at just 11 years old, she began a journey that would shape her life in profound ways. Today, she is not only thriving as a registered nurse at a fertility clinic, but she is also an advocate, longtime Breakthrough T1D supporter, and someone who believes deeply in the power of community.<\/p>\n
For Sadie, finding the T1D community has made all the difference.<\/p>\n
“It allows me to not feel as alone in a world where most people don’t have to think about it 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”<\/p>\n
Living with T1D means making countless decisions every single day. From meals to exercise to something as simple as taking a walk, every activity requires planning and attention. While insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors have transformed diabetes management, Sadie wants people to understand that the work never truly stops.<\/p>\n
“Even with insulin pumps and CGMs,T1D is still a full-time job that requires hundreds of decisions every day. People often think insulin cures diabetes. It doesn’t\u2014it simply keeps me alive.”<\/p>\n
Despite these daily challenges, Sadie has never let T1D define what she’s capable of accomplishing. Her own experiences have made her a more compassionate healthcare professional, giving her greater empathy for the patients she cares for every day.<\/p>\n
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“Living with type 1 diabetes has shaped the way I care for others as a nurse. It has given me empathy, resilience, and a deeper understanding of what it means to manage a chronic condition every day.”<\/p>\n
Sadie’s connection to Breakthrough T1D goes back many years. She fondly remembers participating in walks and fundraising efforts when the organization was known as JDRF, motivated by the hope that every dollar raised brings us closer to better treatments and ultimately, a cure.<\/p>\n
She also treasures the opportunity to connect with others at chapter events.<\/p>\n
“It’s a beautiful thing to see so many people come together for a cause that is not only important to myself, but to see how important it is to others too.”<\/p>\n
Today, Sadie continues to stay involved because she believes no one should have to face T1D alone.<\/p>\n
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“If sharing my experience helps even one person feel more supported or understood, it’s worth it.”<\/p><\/div>\n
As she looks toward the future, including planning her wedding, Sadie hopes for a world with fewer daily burdens, continued advances in technology, and one day, a cure for T1D. Most importantly, she wants others living with T1D to know that while the condition may require extra planning, it should never stop them from pursuing their dreams.<\/p>\n
“I’ve lived with Type 1 diabetes since I was 11 years old. Since then, I’ve become a registered nurse, an advocate, and I’m currently planning my wedding! T1D has shaped who I am, but it has never determined what I’m capable of.”<\/p>\n
Thank you, Sadie, for your dedication, your compassion, and for inspiring others by sharing your story. Your resilience reminds us that while no one chooses life with T1D, together we can build a stronger, more connected community and move closer to cures.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.breakthrought1d.org\/northeastny\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/158\/2026\/07\/IMG_3788-300x200.jpeg\")
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When Sadie Dunne was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at just 11 years old, she began a journey that would shape her life in profound ways. Today, she is not only thriving as a registered nurse at a fertility…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1346,"featured_media":10073,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"publish_on_app_meta":"True","iawp_total_views":141,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":"","bt1d_storytelling_post":false,"bt1d_storytelling_more_posts":[]},"topics":[2132],"class_list":["post-10069","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","jdrf_topic-our-community"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n