As part of our 2012 Walk Ambassador program, these remarkable kids are rallying walkers and telling their stories at Kick Off events around the Bay Area. They impress us and inspire us as we listen to them speak. They are each so brave in their management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and they each have unique experiences to share. This summer they are showing us even more courage by stepping up to the microphone and speaking publicly about what it is like to have T1D. Recently, Nicole and Kobi spoke to Corporate Walk Teams – picture an 8-year old and a 13-year old in rooms full of business people! These girls left their audiences feeling more determined than ever to fundraise and help find a cure. Here are some excerpts from their speeches:
Nicole said, “…August 14th is my “Dia-birthday”. I will have had type 1 diabetes for 5 years. I was lucky because we were at a theme park and I was drinking so much water that my mom knew something was wrong. The next day she took me to the doctor because I had flu like symptoms, was really thirsty and was losing weight. My doctor did some tests and sent us on our way, but before we got home, we got a phone call that changed everything. I was diagnosed that day at Children’s Hospital in Oakland.…There are so many reasons to find a cure; the best is to give a kid like me the freedom to live like other kids. Not having to worry about what I’m eating, if I have my extra supplies, if I’m going to go low while I’m hiking in the hills by my house. An 8 year old shouldn’t have to carry a purse when going down the street to see my friend! Also, the second best reason to find a cure would be to give my family less to worry about…”
Kobi said, “…I am 13 years old and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 9 years old. A lot of people have had type one diabetes, longer then me, but we all go through the same process regardless. Breakthrough T1D has helped me have an outlet to talk with other kids my age and do events that help but also bring awareness to people it might effect. My experience with Breakthrough T1D is that it brings people into my world of diabetes and lets kids like me know they aren’t alone…. I am thrilled to be involved with Breakthrough T1D. It’s allowing me to speak in front of you all have fun with the other Ambassadors who are just great to be around. …I hope a cure is coming soon because then I could have less of a responsibility. Smile a little brighter, appreciate being diabetic because I wouldn’t have met the people I meet…”
Have you registered for the Walk to Cure Diabetes? Click here. It’s easy!
