Age: 25 Year Diagnosed: 2009 Location: Seal Beach, Ca
"Ironically, l worked in a candy store at the time I was diagnosed. I found myself sampling the inventory with more trepidation, after my diagnosis, worried that eventually I’d be cut-off entirely. I look back on these past 8 years as a T1D, which happens to include my senior year of high school, college, a few international adventures and my initial years in my professional career – and I think I’ve overlooked my chronic disease. I’m meticulous when it comes to planning and packing for the unexpected, especially as a diabetic-on-the-move. I have explored caves in Mount Shasta, CA and been stuck in a blizzard at the top of the Tatra Mountains in Zakapone, Poland and I was never without what I needed. As a diabetic, I am always thinking 3 moves ahead. But now I’m trying to be more educated in the science of what it means to be a Type One Diabetic and more involved with the hourly responsibilities. I still want to plan for the unexpected, but, also more importantly, be in a mindset to avoid it."