When seven year old Shelby was diagnosed just four days after her birthday, her parents were shocked. Shelby’s family wasn’t sure what the future would hold for their brand new Type 1, but they were determined that they wouldn’t let the disease define their funny, smart, kind daughter.

With only a few hours of training at the endocrinologist, the heartbroken family was sent home with a bag of prescriptions and now needing to function as their daughter’s pancreas; a life and death job. Shortly after Shelby’s diagnosis the Beasley family attended a Breakthrough T1D meetup. “Just being able to sit and talk to people who knew exactly what we were going through was what I needed,” said Shelby’s mom, Lacee, of their first experience with Breakthrough T1D.

Involvement with Breakthrough T1D also gives the family hope. “We constantly receive information about developments and news from Breakthrough T1D that continue to give us hope. It helps me knowing that there are people out there working to find a cure for Shelby. I try to stay optimistic and seeing these updates helps me stay positive,” said Lacee.

Lacee says that Shelby is their family’s best reason to go the extra mile to fundraise and raise awareness for Type 1. Shelby didn’t choose this life and they want to do whatever they can to conquer her disease. Fundraising gives the family a chance to be actively involved in finding a cure. The Beasley family uses social media to fundraise. Lacee credits their team name, Shelby’s Soldiers, with empowering and rallying supporters. The family has also created team shirts which they use as a gift with donation to Shelby’s One Walk team, which Lacee commented is a very popular fundraising incentive.

Lacee said she was so grateful for how her community came out in support of her family and her daughter. “People you never even thought would be there, step up and help. It’s amazing and we are so grateful!” Shelby will celebrate her one year Dia-versery on April 4, 2017 and her family couldn’t be more proud of how she has handled her diagnosis with bravery. All diabetic kids have bad days and Lacee says they let her cry it out and always tell her they would take it away if they could. Afterwards Shelby is reminded that she has an exciting life ahead of her!

The Central Florida Chapter is so appreciative of the hard work that the Beasley family has done to become one of our leading fundraising families and all within less than a year after diagnosis. Their passion and drive to help turn Type One into Type None inspires us!

If you would like more information about the Orlando One Walk and how you can support Breakthrough T1D just like Shelby’s Soldiers, click here.