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
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
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.
