Turning Tragedy into Awareness and Action

 Our daughter, Jordan, was a vibrant, funny, and uniquely creative 21-year-old. A senior at the University of Cincinnati, she was pursuing a degree in Substance Abuse Counseling, driven by a deep desire to help others. Jordan balanced her full-time studies with a full-time job, all while being an incredible big sister to Xavier and a loving “sister” to her dog, Caesar, and her two cats, Star and Cleo. She was kind, compassionate, and hard-working, with a passion for tattoos and a style that was entirely her own.

In October 2023, Jordan was pet-sitting at home when the unthinkable happened. Without warning, she passed away. For two months, we were left searching for answers. When we finally learned the cause—Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)—our world shifted again. Jordan was an undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetic.

The shock of losing her was overwhelming, but so was the realization that Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) had been silently progressing within her. We found ourselves asking painful questions: How could this go unnoticed? What signs did we miss? What signs did Jordan miss? And most hauntingly, could her life have been saved with earlier awareness?

Though we will never know how long Jordan had T1D, what we can do is make sure others don’t have to experience this same heartbreak. Jordan didn’t get the chance to fight Type 1 Diabetes, but in her honor, we are fighting for others. We want to spread awareness about the warning signs of T1D and DKA—especially for those who don’t yet know they have it.

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Know the Signs of Type 1 Diabetes:

• Extreme thirst

• Frequent urination

• Unexplained weight loss

• Increased hunger

• Blurred vision

• Fatigue

• Fruity-smelling breath

• Slow-healing wounds

• Nausea or vomiting

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Signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):

• Rapid breathing

• Dry skin and mouth

• Confusion or difficulty concentrating

• Stomach pain

• Flushed face

• Weakness or fatigue

• Unconsciousness (in severe cases)

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The Importance of Early Screening

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of Jordan’s story is that her Type 1 Diabetes went undetected. Unfortunately, her story is not unique. Too many people—especially young adults—are diagnosed only when it’s too late.

But there is hope. Screening for T1D can detect the condition before symptoms even appear, reducing the risk of DKA and giving individuals a chance to start managing their health earlier. A simple blood test can identify autoantibodies associated with T1D, allowing for monitoring and early intervention.

Routine screening for Type 1 Diabetes is not yet standard, but it should be. That’s why we’re passionate about raising awareness and encouraging individuals—especially those with a family history of T1D—to get screened.

If Jordan had been screened, perhaps she would have had the opportunity to manage her condition before it became life-threatening. While we can’t change what happened to her, we can help others by spreading the word about early detection.

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Take Action: Get Screened

Breakthrough T1D is working to make early screening more accessible. If you or a loved one are at risk, learn more about screening options at Breakthrough T1D’s Early Detection page. A simple test could save a life.

Jordan’s story is now a mission. By sharing her experience, we hope to prevent another family from facing this devastating loss. Awareness and early detection save lives. Let’s make sure no one else is lost to an undiagnosed case of Type 1 Diabetes.

For more information on Type 1 Diabetes, DKA, and screening, visit Breakthrough T1D’s website or talk to your healthcare provider today.