Claire Maiocco, a Central Florida resident and student-athlete, has overcome the challenges of T1D to reach her goals and achieve her dream.  Her once terrifying diagnosis has become an educational and motivational tool for both her and the community.

After her diagnosis at age four, the Maiocco family became involved with Breakthrough T1D in a multitude of ways.  As a family, the Maiocco’s participate in the One Walk annually, attend events such as research updates and educational conferences, and attend the Annual Imagine Gala.  Claire’s father, Robert, also serves  on the Central Florida Chapter’s Board of Directors.

Upon receiving her T1D diagnosis, Claire struggled to cope with the tedious diabetes management. With the help of her parents, who sought training, Claire slowly began to adjust to living with T1D.  By age six, Claire switched to the pump, giving her more freedom.  Independence, education, and confidence were all ideals that her parents instilled in her from a young age.  Two years after switching to the pump, Claire was able to bolus without assistance from others and administer her own shots.

As Claire got older, she utilized the skills that she acquired from her diabetes management as a student and an athlete.  A firm believer that you can be a normal kid with T1D, Claire took her confidence and perseverance to the water.  Through trial and error, she found a balance between being a student, a swimmer, and a type one diabetic.  While keeping her sugars perfect can be challenging at times, Claire has learned that it is important to make a “plan B.”    Being prepared, never holding back, and doing what she loves has led to Claire’s success as a swimmer.

Now a high school senior, Claire is blowing everyone out of the water.  Most recently, she qualified and competed at the 2016 Swimming Olympic Trials in the Women’s 100 Meter Butterfly.  Claire described the meet as “exciting, inspiring, and a great learning experience.”  She hopes to bring the motivation that she observed at Trials back home to her high school swim team.  In addition to motivating her team, Claire also hopes to improve upon her individual times this year and win the 100 yards Butterfly at the State Meet next spring.

As Claire continues on her journey of pursuing her dreams, she plans to take what she has learned from her past with her.  Diagnosed as a child, she has learned valuable life lessons and skills.  She believes that everyone should do what they love to do, never hold back, and realize that no matter what obstacles you face that diabetes doesn’t make you different.