A Blast From the Past
My diagnosis came as a complete and utter shock. I was an active 12 year old playing three sports in middle school (volleyball, basketball, and softball). It was the middle of basketball season and my sports physical was going to expire on the day of our huge rival basketball game so my coach told me to get a new one so I could play in the game. I went for what I thought would be a normal, slightly awkward because of the paper gowns you have to wear, sports physical. Little did I know, my life was going to change from that point on. The doctor came into the room telling my mom and I that they found a little sugar in my urine and that it was probably just because I had just eaten lunch, but to be sure he wanted me to come in a few days to test it again. The day rolled around and once again there was sugar in my urine. This is when the thought of being diagnosed was coming into the picture. As a kid though, that was the least of my worries at the moment. The doctor told me that he wanted me to go to the hospital to have a day full of testing, just to be sure. A few days later, I missed school for a day of tests to be done at the children's hospital. After a long, exhausting, emotionally draining of blood being drawn and test being taken, they allowed me to go home. I was given a 30 percent chance that I would not have T1D. Within 30 minutes of being home, the doctor called with my diagnosis of Type 1 Insulin-dependent Juvenile Diabetes. I was ordered to immediately come to hospital for a week stay.
Since that moment, there has been many ups and downs while living with T1D. I choose to focus on the ups. Living with this disease can take a toll on you, but my family has backed my from day 1. They are my rock through this entire journey. I will highlight some of the most defining moments that I have been able to experience while living with T1D.
I have worked closely with JDRF since my diagnosis. Advocating for them has been a deep passion since day 1. One of the biggest involvements my family and I par take in, as well as many friends, is the Walk to Cure Diabetes each year. My walk team, Taylor's Turbos, has been raising money for research for 8 years. Since the start, with the help of family and friends we have raised over $100,000 for JDRF and research. The walk is a big event each year for my family each year. I have always said that I love walk day more than Christmas! Plus, after the walk each year our family throws a party to say thanks to everyone that supports Taylor's Turbos...equipped with a water slide!
A few more to mention are getting selected for Children's Congress in 2009 through JDRF. Also, being a part of the JDRF Hope Gala each year. The amazing years that I was able to experience at diabetes camp (until I was too old :( ). And now, the journey that I am embarking on through Students with Diabetes and their internship program.
Below is a slideshow of some the events through my journey with diabetes. All of the pictures are from different events dealing with T1D.
Since that moment, there has been many ups and downs while living with T1D. I choose to focus on the ups. Living with this disease can take a toll on you, but my family has backed my from day 1. They are my rock through this entire journey. I will highlight some of the most defining moments that I have been able to experience while living with T1D.
I have worked closely with JDRF since my diagnosis. Advocating for them has been a deep passion since day 1. One of the biggest involvements my family and I par take in, as well as many friends, is the Walk to Cure Diabetes each year. My walk team, Taylor's Turbos, has been raising money for research for 8 years. Since the start, with the help of family and friends we have raised over $100,000 for JDRF and research. The walk is a big event each year for my family each year. I have always said that I love walk day more than Christmas! Plus, after the walk each year our family throws a party to say thanks to everyone that supports Taylor's Turbos...equipped with a water slide!
A few more to mention are getting selected for Children's Congress in 2009 through JDRF. Also, being a part of the JDRF Hope Gala each year. The amazing years that I was able to experience at diabetes camp (until I was too old :( ). And now, the journey that I am embarking on through Students with Diabetes and their internship program.
Below is a slideshow of some the events through my journey with diabetes. All of the pictures are from different events dealing with T1D.