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