Happy Holidays and Thank You!

Happy holidays everyone!! This is my last blog as my role as the American Diabetes Association Illinois Youth Ambassador is coming to an end. I just wanted to say how thankful I was for this opportunity and to help other kids with diabetes. I want to encourage other kids out there to help out around their community and help other kids with diabetes because you never know whose life you are really going to touch or be an inspiration for. Remember you're not alone there is always someone who is going through the same situation. I cannot wait to see who the 2016 youth ambassador will be to continue being an inspiration to all!

I had a lot of fun helping out this year. Some of the activities I did was going to the Family Link Mini Golf Day to golf with kids while their parents were able to connect, I got to speak at the diabetes Expo, rode in the Tour de Cure, walked in Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, got to go to a race car speedway and cheer on Ryan Reed in his Stop Diabetes race car, and going to diabetes camps (my fav!) as both a camper and meeting with kids at the day camps! I had a lot of fun doing all of these.

I'm glad I had this opportunity so I could help other kids out. I don't think diabetes is a burden, in a way it's more of something to learn from. It taught me to never give up and that I am still "normal". I can still do everything like I used to. Diabetes for me hasn't slowed down anything that I do. It pushed me to work harder and show people that I am still the same person.

We had a diabetes awareness day at our school recently where everyone wore blue. We had blue face paint and since my number for all of my sports is #31, many of my classmates wrote “31” on their face with paint. Even the state representative came to our school and saw what we were doing. It was quite inspirational!

Having diabetes made me want to work even harder to accomplish the goals I want, even though it might be a little more tougher down the road. I'm so happy I got this experience and let everyone know that diabetes can't and won't stop you. You are still normal and will accomplish everything you want to. Just keep a smile on your face and never give up. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

Its the Holiday Season

Hi everyone! Halloween recently passed, and I still remember my first Halloween after I got diagnosed. I felt like I could barely enjoy any of it. Little to no candy, so what's the point?! So my parents told me if I traded in my candy and gave it all to my sibling we could go to a local candy store and pick out some sugar free candy for myself and I could “trade” some of my candy in for toys! We put candy values on certain toys that we scoped out before hand. For example, a smaller item was worth 25 pieces, or for a bigger item that I really wanted, was 75! Believe me, I did my best to get that toy and it was totally worth it!! I thought it was fair because the toys were a lot more fun than the candy you get from strangers! Ha! (I did manage to sneak a few into my low supplies, which make a fun treat when my blood sugar goes really low!).

Thanksgiving is coming up and all I can think about is food. Food, food, food. Yum!! It is a time to give thanks and some of the things that I am thankful for is my family, friends, food, shelter, my Omnipod, and this opportunity to be the 2015 Illinois Youth Ambassador. I really enjoy helping out and talking to other people with diabetes my age and younger. Since my time is coming to an end, I encourage kids all over to apply to become the 2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador, it's a great experience to help out and tell other you are not alone. So good luck to all who apply! Peace ✌️

Diabetes Can't Stop Me

Hi everyone! Lately I have been busy helping out with younger kids with diabetes. Recently I went to the American Diabetes Association's Family Hole in One Day, which is part of the Family Link program. It is a great way to meet other parents and children that are going through the same things. We have all been there, experienced that, but it is a great support system for those that are recently diagnosed to parents that have diabetes as well. I went to a miniature golf course with the kids and was able to hang out with them. It was just a fun activity to do with these young kids with diabetes and with their siblings as well. The fun doesn't stop once you get diagnosed- you can do the same things as every/any other child out there. I remember talking to one of the young girls in my golf group and she told me, "Sometimes in my sleep I dream about being normal." I promise you are not alone, at some point every single person with diabetes feels the exact same thing and has the exact same thought as well. Just because you have diabetes does not mean you do not have a normal life. You are just like every other kid out there, but as I like to say, even more special.

I've recently joined the Chain Reaction team/club this year. I volunteered as the leader. I like helping people out when they need it most. I think it's really cool for kids any age to help out in their community or for people their age as well. Me and my team are thinking about have a Walk/Run for Diabetes this year. I'm really excited to put it together and see how any participants I have. I also can't wait to see how much support I will have while doing this project!

I am currently in school basketball and travel softball. I have had some other team coaches come up to me saying how proud they are of me playing sports with diabetes. And I don't even know them. After one of my basketball games, a coach came up to my coach saying how impressed she is as how active I am with diabetes. What helps me keep going is my mentality. If you don't let diabetes stop you from playing sports and accomplishing your goals then you are unstoppable. Anything is possible. You may not think its a big deal to go out there and play sports with diabetes. It doesn't even have to be sports, it could be any club or activity. Just knowing that you won't let diabetes stop you from doing what you like to do best feels amazing. Other people will notice it as well and will just as proud of you as you are to yourself. Remember if you've not been inspired by someone else, you always have that one person that you inspire. You never know who's watching you or looking up to you. Diabetes is a major impact in life but it makes you stronger and who you are today and in the future. Don't let diabetes stop you from accomplishing your goals and biggest dreams. Let it push you to work harder, and one day all your effort will pay off. 

Happy Fall!

HAPPY FALL! 

School is now in full swing, and many activities and events have been taking place. A couple fun things that have been going on. One of them is that some of my friends and I from the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Camp have constantly been in contact through texting and talking through face time. We had a camp reunion at one of my friends house just so we can hang out and get together again. We form such great bonds as friends from these camps. It's pretty incredible. It is cool how you make friends at diabetes camp and you can reconnect with them later on.

I also got to go to the Chicagoland speedway to see Ryan Reed race. He is a race car driver that was diagnosed in 2011. He drives the car sponsored by Lilly Diabetes, and on the side of his car reads, Drive to Stop Diabetes. I'm so happy to see him supporting diabetes and showing everyone anything is possible. I also got to have my name on his car as he raced! He is a diabetes advocate and he installed a blood glucose monitor and drink system in his car just so that he could continue racing! I want to say congratulations to him and he is so inspirational!  Also, good luck in every other race in the future, since he is my all time favorite!

I was at the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on Sunday September 20th in Chicago and there was such a great turnout! My brother and I got our flu shots while there, and there were so many fun activities to do. I love being surrounded by all these people that I consider "family."

 My school softball team is on their way to state this year too! I am so proud of my team and we have made it a long way. I find before games that I get so nervous and excited, my blood sugar goes really high. Thankfully, with my pump, I'm able to cut my basal so that I don't crash halfway through the games! I also have to tape my medical bracelet on my wrist because the umpires won't let it be visible on my wrist. They say it could break someone's fingers. Oh well, at least I can still have it on! We have our games this weekend on Friday and Saturday. So it will be a fun filled weekend.

I'm so excited for the new opportunities I get to experience in my life, I would've never experienced them if I just Gave up.

Evey

Hey guys I just got back from the American Diabetes Association’s Triangle D Camp! I had so much and made a bunch of new friends that will stick with me for a life time! For the 7 days I was there, I learned so much more than I expected. I thought I knew about everything about diabetes, but nope! I learned about different types of insulin and what they are used for and what they do, such as long acting insulin, humalog, novolog, and few others in Diabetes Ed. We played a bunch of new games such as mission impossible, CoCo Chaos, trivial pursuit, and capture the flag-where we used colored face paint to determine what team we were on. Another great part of camp was the food! There were so many varieties of different food choices at every meal, including all of the carb counts, and so many snacks you won't be hungry. I even got the cabin with the showers in it too! There were high ropes where you could go zip lining and do the multi vine, which I went on three times it was so much fun. You could even go blobbing where there is a floatable thing in the lake and you jump on and you go flying into the water. The first year I went on it my pump fell off into the water and probably is still there! I went canoeing with some of my friends and it was so windy we had to raise our paddles so someone would come and pull us back! It was really funny! Be sure to like www.facebook.com/kidswithdiabeteschicago to check out some of the photos from the week!

       School softball started for me already so we are practicing every day and having games. We are pretty good this year. School for me starts this Wednesday so I'm going last minute school shopping!

Evey

Hey guys! I just had a very busy week! I had my softball World Series in Kentucky and it was so hot down there. We were doing pretty well, but unfortunately we are done in the tournament. It was a great experience! We stayed in a hotel and I met two new softball players who were staying there too. They both have diabetes as well. I thought it was super cool seeing more girls with Type 1 diabetes playing a travel sport.  We talked about softball and the different types of pumps we have. We compared and contrasted them and talked about what it is like playing sports with our "equipment" on.

I also went to the Louisville Slugger museum, where they make all the baseball bats. I took a tour and saw how they were made and saw a bunch of Major League Baseball players old baseball bats that were used in games, players like Jackie Robinson. Did you know he had diabetes too? Yes he did! But he didn't let that stop him from playing in the MLB. This shows that it doesn't matter who you are or how old you are, what matters is that you have the courage to not let diabetes stop you. Anything is possible when you work hard.

I am now heading up to Triangle D Camp! I am packed and ready to have a great time! I am so excited to make new friends that have diabetes as well. The American Diabetes Association does a great job and I love every minute of camp. I will keep you guys updated after camp and tell you guys everything I did. Maybe next year the people who didn’t get to camp this summer will get to go next year. It's a great opportunity to see more people your age who are also facing the same challenges as you. You won't feel so alone; it will make you feel like a normal kid again.

I can’t wait to tell you guys about all the fun I have at Triangle D Camp!

-Evey 

Hello everyone! Sorry I couldn't make it to Tour De Cure, I was sick in the hospital. It was my first time going back in five years which, to me, is pretty good. My blood sugar was really elevated, I had ketones, and I was super dehydrated. It happens to all of us, and it really stinks. But at least we caught it in time before I got too bad. Luckily I was able to stay at a local hospital by me, rather than having to go to the pediatric hospital. We have such a great staff of doctors and nurses that take care of my family and I. 

Since I couldn’t ride, my dad was able to go in my place and explore the site. He even face-timed me as he was riding! It looked like so much fun and the weather finally cooperated to make the ride a success. I can't wait to ride and participate again next year! We were able to get so many great fundraising ideas, corporate sponsors, and matching donations for next year- it will be exciting!

For the past two weeks, I have been visiting the American Diabetes Association day camps for 4-9 year olds. I got to pass out tattoos of knights and dragons for their “Kids of the Round Table” theme and go around and talk with the campers. Since I was diagnosed when I was eight going on nine, I never went to the day camps. I have only attended the overnight camps, so it was a great to see what they are like. Each camp goes along the same guidelines, but feels completely different. The first camp, Camp Discovery in Glen Ellyn, was at a fitness facility where we were able to go to different rooms, even one with an indoor pool! So regardless of the weather, we were always able to swim. The next camp was Camp Confidence in Des Planes, it was a fun outdoor experience at a historic campground.

I was so happy to see so many little kids go to camp and learn more. I loved how even their siblings got to go with them as well.  It was so neat to see some of the kids give themselves a shot for the first time- what an accomplishment! On Friday, there was an Exhibit Fair with a ton of stations that gave you information about diabetes and their "gadgets", as I like to call them. There was a magic show that was incredibly funny. The staff dressed up to go along with the theme, which was pretty neat. I love the games and activities we played, it feels just like a regular camp!

I'm basically on the edge of my seat for my time at Triangle D camp! I'm so excited to see old friends and connect with other people with diabetes. At some of these camps, I see some old friends that are helping out, being a counselor-in-training, as well as counselors!  I am looking forward to becoming a counselor in the next couples years! 

I'll keep you posted on the rest of the Association day camps that I attend, my time at Triangle D camp and the rest of my summer months! 

-Evey

Hey guys!

I'm super excited for the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure on Sunday! I will be stopping on mile marker five to hang out at the Camp Hydration Station.  I got a new bike helmet for the ride and I can't wait to try it out!

I also got my Dexcom this week. The one I received is pink and we are in the process of hooking up the blood sugar high and lows to my parents phones. Now we will be able to know where my blood sugar is at all times. I haven't tried it out yet, but I'm almost positive it's going to make it so much easier to manage my glucose levels. 

School is out and I am doing a whole bunch of fun sport summer camps. I just finished a basketball camp, and I am in the middle of doing a swim fitness class. Next week is volleyball camp, plus I have a whole bunch of softball tournaments lined up.

I am going to be at some of the American Diabetes Association Camps for a day or so to say hi and hang out! This will be my fourth year participating in the Association Camp Program; my favorite part is the blob, seeing other kids with diabetes and getting to hang out with them!

I'll be sure to post that info soon! Hope to see you guys at the Tour de Dure on Sunday!

-Evey 

Hey, I'm back! I am super pumped for the bike race! I have raised $1029 so far! That is amazing! I am super grateful for all those generous donations. I was able to get my school involved as well by arranging a jeans day for the teachers.  So, for all the teachers that wanted to wear jeans that day, they had to pay $5 or more to be enable to have that privilege. All in that day, thanks to all of the teachers, I was able to raise $576. I would like to say a big thank you to all of the teachers in my school district, as well as the Bimba Company, who have donated $200, and my other donating friends and family. Your donations are extremely helpful, every penny brings us closer to finding a cure for type one diabetes. There will always be that spark of hope that no one can touch, that fire will not be extinguished. I am so excited for the bike race and can’t wait to see how many people are going to attend and help make a difference. If you have any questions do not be afraid to ask me online or at the race! I promise I don’t bite! As exciting as that was I have even more exciting news, I am currently giving the Dexcom a try for a week. As first I was a little nervous, but hey why not give it a try. So far I love it, it really helps me manage my blood sugar so much better. Technology is a wonderful thing. With all this technology, help from doctors, and support from friends and family will make me unstoppable at what I want to become in life or in my future years. And you can feel the same way. All it takes is confidence (and a little bit of technology) and you will be untouchable and I promise you will reach your fullest potential in life. 

Here is the link to my personal page for the Tour de Cure! Please join us!
http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TourAdmin?px=8384021&pg=personal&fr_id=10179

Hey Everyone!  I had so much fun at the American Diabetes Association's 2015 EXPO event! I met a lot of new people and talked to many different Camp families. Sharing stories and experiences with each and every one of you was very meaningful and I am glad  to have had the opportunity to do so!  I was able to give a small speech of how thrilled I am with the great endeavors I experience as the American Diabetes Association 2015 Illinois Youth Ambassador.  It was great to see what else I am able to do and accomplish for the American Diabetes Association in the future.  In the Family Fun Zone, at the EXPO event, I was able to adopt a stuffed animal, name it (I chose my best friend’s name), and teach it all about diabetes. I went through the steps I had to go through when I was diagnosed. I saw a bunch of kids running around while having a fun time in the exercise section.

 At the Family Fun Zone there was also information about Camp... I LOVE CAMP! This is one of the best places a kid with diabetes could ever go. The experiences, counselors, new friends, activities, and without even realizing it, the learning is a great way for kids to learn about themselves and diabetes care. I will be going to Camp Triangle D this summer for the 4^th time. I have so much fun going and I think that all kids with diabetes should attend a Camp at least once.  They would be able to experience Camp and see other kids their age that have diabetes and how they manage it, while having fun at the same time! It’s a wonderful learning experience. One of my favorite parts about going to Camp is meeting new friends and of course, "the blob” , a huge inflatable that’s in the water that we can jump on and get thrown off. How can you not love that? 

The next event I'll be at is the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure event.  I hope you can come to this and hopefully join my team! My team’s name is “Evey's Starting Lineup”. It's amazingly easy to get registered, and there are many different distances you can choose from. I'm doing a 10 mile ride, but there are options for you to ride 100 miles! Super impressive! I can’t wait to see you there at the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure event on June 14^th, 2015. 

Join me at the ADA Expo and Tour!

Hey everyone! As i was thinking about what to write about, the only thing I had written down was, "I get up, go to school, go to sports, eat, go to bed, and change my pump every 3 days". I couldn't think of anything else! But isn't that what we all want? Just a 'normal', everyday routine like everyone else? I don't like the extra attention or people fussing over me. I want to keep my diabetes in control so that I can do everything I want to do. Things like all my activities and sports without having to sit out, go to the office at school, or do a whole bunch of extra steps. Somewhere to do all these fun activities is the upcoming American Diabetes Association EXPO event!

So, the American Diabetes Association's EXPO event is THIS Saturday, April 18th! I am going to be there and I can't wait to hang out and visit with everyone! I'm looking forward to meeting, talking, and getting to know you all. I'm also looking forward to all of the people who are excited about the ADA Tour de Cure event just as much as myself! I am signed up and starting my own team, so I would love to have as many people join my National Camp Tour Team to do this ride with me! The name of my team is "Evey's Starting Line Up" and you can sign up at my team website! I am hoping for a lot of people to come and support a cure for diabetes and ride along with me. I will be going with some of my family members and a friend. 

I will also be speaking at the EXPO at 11am in the Family Fun Zone this weekend, which I am excited for! I hope to see you all there!

ADA Camp Celebration at the Chicago Wolves Hockey Game!

American Diabetes Association CAMP celebration at Chicago Wolves hockey game!

Hello again! I am really excited to write to you all again. My family and I just registered for the American Diabetes Association Expo in April.  This will be my first year attending the annual diabetes EXPO, so I am looking forward to all the events, discussions, and activities they have planned. My friend and I attended the Chicago Wolves game back in January for the diabetes association.  It was awesome to see the outpouring of supporting families that surrounded us.  The game was great-  I had a lot of fun and can't wait to go to another ADA sponsored event. When I attend these events, I feel so supported, and that there are so many kids that are affected by the same things as me. It just shows that we are never alone in this and there are so many people out there that support us.

  

 I just finished my school volleyball season, so I am finished with school sports for the rest of school year.  It is kind of strange coming home after school. But I decided to join a club volleyball team to continue playing. I still participate in basketball and softball as well- I just have to stay active all the time. I am very competitive- my friends say I am almost too competitive even for P.E, but that is just me!  Playing all these sports make me feel so grateful for having my wireless pump. I like the fact that I can constantly wear it and I don't get hooked on anything and it doesn't rip off that easily. It is so convenient and completely works well in my busy, active lifestyle.  My goal is to set a great example with all that I do and playing all these sports with diabetes makes me know that nothing can get in my way.

Introducing the 2015 Illinois Youth Ambassador

Back in 2010, our 2015 Illinois Youth Ambassador, Evelyn Evans, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just a few weeks before her 9th birthday. Evelyn, more commonly known as Evey, had begun to sleep more often, made more to the bathroom during the night and lost her appetite. Her mom was concerned and made an appointment with her pediatrician. After multiple lab tests, the results came in; Evey had type 1 diabetes. After being diagnosed, life for Evey was "somewhat difficult... but as time went on and a tremendous amount of support from family", she started getting used to her ‘new normal’.

Five years later, Evey has not let diabetes slow her down. She is a bubbly young lady who helps babysit kids with diabetes and collaborates with the Teen Task Force at Kovler. From the collaboration, she aspires to aid in the creation of a blog to host Q&A for teens with diabetes. When she isn't partaking in her duties 

as the American Diabetes Association Illinois Youth Ambassador, she spends her free time 

participating in sports such as volleyball, softball, basketball and soccer.

Long before taking on the responsibility of the Youth Ambassador, Evey has been involved with 

the Association. After attending Triangle D Camp for the first time in July of 2011, Evey couldn't 

believe how many other kids were just like her, and her confidence in diabetes care grew. She has 

had so much fun at camp, and it has had such a positive impact on her, she continues to attend 

Triangle D Camp. Evey says that "due to the Association having these large camp events I was 

able to know other children that were going through what I was...making me feel welcomed and 

understood".

In 5 years from now, Evey sees herself being even more involved with the Association and making 

a difference in people's lives on an even larger scale! Evey's outstanding energy coupled with her 

passion to help stop diabetes will lead her to a bright future. We are proud to have such a brave 

young lady be our 2015 American Diabetes Association Illinois Youth Ambassador.