Holiday Tips

Part of what keeps my diabetes in such good control is routine. Every morning, I make the same lunch (78 carbs), I exercise at the same time every day, I steer towards the same foods at restaurants I go to, I eat at the same times every day, and I refuse to get a new type of pump, even when my insurance is up. This helps me keep my blood sugars in range because through years of practice (I’ve actually packed the same lunch for three years) I’ve found what’s worked and used that to keep myself in range.

However, all the work that I’ve done during the years I’ve had diabetes always goes to waste during the holidays. The actual travel is the first issue; I hate planes and always get very, very anxious before I go on one and this spikes my blood sugar like crazy. Also, the pressure changes during takeoff and landing make all of the insulin in my tubing go “bad,” so I squeeze it out and make the whole plane smell like an emergency room. Also, the security line always brings problems, unfortunately. Last time I traveled, they found “bomb residue” on my pump (they told me later, after everything checked out, that it was most likely a compound in the hand lotion I use) and, like a trooper, I started bawling in the security line.

These problems can make it harder to manage diabetes. Also, at my destination, it’s harder to focus on checking or bolusing when I’m surrounded and distracted by friends and family, or, when I go to visit my uncle and his three little kids, it’s very stressful to have to constantly watch my kit to make sure it’s close to me but far enough away so that they won’t find my syringes or strips and ingest them. Or, when my little cousin tries to push the buttons on my pump to see what they will do.

And, of course, all of my food regimen that has been perfected for years goes out the window during the holidays; grazing all morning and not having a solid meal until 4:00 creates a CGM map that looks like a tennis match between highs and lows.

So, a couple things I’ve started to do to alleviate holiday stresses and complications are to keep all my medical stuff in a plastic bag when going through TSA so that it’s easier for them to check all at once. And, I pack my own snacks so that, even if I don’t eat them in the airport, I am less worried about finding something and know I have backup. For the actual plane ride, I now bring a napkin to let the bad insulin out into and throw it away with my drink cup.

Unfortunately, for the flying anxiety, the only thing I’ve found to help with that is testing a lot to make sure I don’t spike. I’ve also started using Tupperware to hold my kit when I visit my family because the little ones can’t get into it and I can leave it close to me, and I tell my little cousin that if he pushes my pump buttons it tells Santa to bring him coal for Christmas. And, during the holidays, if everyone else is grazing in the morning and eating a big meal in the evening, I try to stick more to my own schedule and avoid grazing, eat a real breakfast/lunch, and then eat a smaller meal at dinner (with less of an emphasis on sweets at the end J).

So, over the years, I’ve accumulated these tips so that I can enjoy the holidays to their full potential, and I hope you can, too!

Happy holidays! 

Halloween

This will be my 7^th Halloween with diabetes, and I have some things that I’ve learned over the years in regard to this holiday.

Candy is one of the main factors of Halloween, for sure. This can be hard for people with diabetes, because its high sugar content makes it hard for insulin to catch up and often leads to blood sugar spikes. I do love Reese’s Pieces, so what I used to do with my friends was go trick or treating with them normally and then go back to my house to trade pieces. I’d always trade for non-edible treats (i.e. pencils or toys) and a few pieces that I did want. I then would count the leftover pieces and trade with my mom (i.e. 10 pieces for a dollar or 20 for 30 minutes of TV time). These trades were very important to me; my mom knew that the candy would be tempting for me and would most likely end in a blood sugar spike but also didn’t want to make me feel different, and she succeeded in avoiding both of these. Also, she never told me I couldn’t go trick or treating! When all of my friends went, I was allowed to too. This didn't make me feel any different than my friends.

It takes a little bit more testing (walking and excitement make me go low, adrenaline from being scared and possible candy eating make me go high), but it was manageable and very important to me.  I am no different than other people and I can do anything, but it was better for me to avoid the candy and take the trade instead.

Holidays centered around eating have always been harder; when someone pulls out the cranberry sauce, candy corn, or pumpkin pie, I always get a little nervous. However, part of growing up with diabetes is learning the importance of managing yourself around these foods. Of course you can eat what you want, however quantity and control are the names of the game.

My mom helped me so much to instill good habits in myself so that I knew not to go overboard with sugar and so that I always bolused myself for however much I was going to eat. And, of course, this can be very frustrating for little guys who just want to eat candy like their friends, I know it was for me the first Halloween after the diagnosis. However, my parents stocked a bowl full of weird spooky toys, decks of cards, whistles, balls, and other little items that I had full reign of. Little trades and distractions like these helped me out a ton!

It’s also important to communicate with school during the holidays; Halloween parties can be tough when they’re stocked with punch, candy, and other sugary snacks. Recently, my AP chemistry teacher made punch with dry ice for the class and, remembering I have diabetes, made me my own little cup of sugarless punch, which was one of the most touching things that a teacher has ever done for me.

In addition, for me, it helped to place more emphasis on the non-food parts of Halloween, like spending time with friends, exploring my neighborhood, wearing cool costumes, and watching scary movies. So, although Halloween can be tough for people with diabetes, it can definitely be a safe, fun holiday.

Happy trick or treating!

Back to School

School is now officially in full swing! It’s been a great transition for me so far, and I’m excited to be a sophomore this year. For the most part, everything has been going great!

One event that was troubling this year was when I alerted one of my teachers to the fact that I have diabetes and a 504 plan. When I told him about this in an individual conference he had with all of his students, his response was “well, that’s good to know, but it doesn’t pertain to this class.” I responded with, “it’s important for you to know I have diabetes.” What I took away from this experience was that not everyone will react ideally to type one diabetes and in fact, it’s very rare that I walk away from telling someone completely happy with what happened. However, it is important to get across the point that I have diabetes and I need reasonable accommodations. Although not all situations flow seamlessly and end in perfect understanding, it’s important to state what you need. In this case, the reaction wasn’t what I’d hoped for, but I still told the teacher I have a 504, type one diabetes, and a need for reasonable accommodations that are listed in my 504 plan. 

Also, this year, I’ve got the perfect locker spot in the school (highly enviable, considering my school has 2 buildings and a combined total of 13 floors), which has given me a great chance to prepare myself with diabetes supplies for the new school year! In my locker, I have a bag with extra strips, lancets, pump change-out supplies, insulin, glucose tablets, pump/meter batteries, and snacks in case I forget something or need a replacement. Although I am very good about remembering to get my supplies before school, it’s easier and less stressful to know I have a backup plan and am always prepared in class. 

For more information and resources (which I frequently use!) about diabetes in school, check out the ADA’s Safe At School Page at 

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/diabetes-care-at-school/

Thanks, and here’s to a great school year!

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

My favorite part of fall is coming up- the Chicago Step Out Walk! It's great to come together every year with my friends and family and walk to support a common cause- defeating diabetes. Attaining this goal of stopping diabetes is incredibly important to everyone I walk with (including myself!), and this is my favorite way to do it! I love seeing people from camp or other ADA events and meeting new people, who always have interesting stories to tell and unique perspectives on diabetes. I'm fortunate to have many of my friends on my own team this year, which has made the fundraising process even easier and more successful! I absolutely love this event and I highly suggest that if you haven't already, join a team or make one of your own and help us stop diabetes!

You can join the ADA Illinois Camper Team, Campers Conquering Diabetes! Or the ADA Illinois Camp Staf Team, Camp Crew-zers! Bring your friends, family and community together to support the American Diabetes Association’s fight against diabetes. We will be taking a Camp Photo at the Chicago and Buffalo Grove location’s main stage at 11:30am – I hope to see you all there!

To  learn more about Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, please visit: www.diabetes.org/stepoutchicagoland

Sneak Peak at College and Life Away from Home

This week, I started taking an honors chemistry class at Northwestern University where I’ll be living and studying for three weeks. I was very excited to start this course, but also very nervous about how I’d manage my diabetes while away from home. Although I’d been away from home before, I’d never been away with completely new people for this length of time. While packing, I filled half of my suitcase with extra pump supplies, syringes, 4 bottles of insulin, 9 bottles of strips, and extra CGM supplies! The whole time while packing, I was wondering how I was going to do on my own. Although I am confident in my abilities to manage my own diabetes, I was scared about the possibility that something might go wrong and it would be up to me to fix it. The worst part of it, however, was the fear of telling the teacher and teaching assistant about my diabetes. Even though it is not a big deal, it always makes me nervous to tell people that I have diabetes. Sometimes, people don’t understand or they make a big deal out of it or, worse, they treat me completely differently than they treat other people. But, when I told my teacher, she asked a couple of questions about what exactly I needed and then told me that anything I had to do was perfectly okay! And, so far, camp is going great and there have been no diabetes problems! This has been a great lesson for me that sometimes it’s scary to tell others that you have diabetes or it’s scary to think about the worst that can happen in regards to diabetes, but everything always works out okay in the end. 

Summertime with the American Diabetes Association

My involvement with the American Diabetes Association is in full swing this summer! Last weekend, I volunteered at a rest stop for the Tour De Cure in Lippold Park, which was super fun! I saw so many smiling faces and so many people having fun just in the one place I was stationed. People were bicycling 10-100 miles to raise money for diabetes and I saw cyclists from 5 years old to seniors. Everyone at the rest stop was having a great time meeting new people, playing bean bags, getting snacks, and just relaxing. I was a volunteer this year, but after seeing how fun it was for the participants this year, I intend to make my own team next year!

Also, camp season is just starting! Parent Orientation for Camp Confidence was on Saturday, June 18th, and it was really nice to see everyone again! This year, I’m seeing my campers from last year, meeting the younger siblings of many of the campers I had last year, and meeting a lot of new campers! Personally, I felt at ease being around so many people with diabetes. It reminds me that people with diabetes can do anything and there’s nothing “different” about me, other than the way my pancreas works. Even the little 4 year olds in my group seemed to be immediately at ease; it seemed all of the worry (and sometimes fear) that comes with diabetes melted away on the campground. I am so fortunate to be a part of this experience for the campers (and for myself!). Every year, I learn more and more about diabetes, not just about the physical aspects of it but also emotions that come alongside it. It’s scary for everyone involved and camp helps every member of the family learn and feel more comfortable.

I am also excited for the 2016 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes in Chicago coming up after Summer! I’ve registered my team and am getting started on fundraising with my friends and family. I’m delighted that so many of my friends are eager to join, as well, and that I can have a part in funding diabetes research!

I am also fortunate to be on the Camp Confidence Teen Panel Parent Session this year! Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 21st from 9:15-10:15am. All camper families are welcome to come listen and ask questions to several of the Camp Confidence teenage staff. It is very rewarding for parents to ask whatever questions they might have about their children’s futures and it’s a great experience for me to be a role model. Hope to see you tomorrow! :)

Being Prepared as a Teen

Preparedness is important for everything; everyone has heard the idiom “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” This phrase especially pertains to diabetes. Hope for an A1C of 6, a blood glucose of 120, never running out of strips, never having to use a glucagon, etc., but remember it’s important to prepare for anything. 

As a teenager, I have to admit that I'm sometimes less prepared than I was when I was younger because I’m juggling more things and I am more familiar with my body, but that is not a smart way to manage my health. A couple of weeks ago on my way to a volleyball tournament over an hour away, I realized when I got there that I had 20 units in my pump and I’d left my kit at home. It was going to be at least a seven hour tournament, I would be playing volleyball for most of it, and I would have to eat something at some point. Thankfully, my mom got a kit from Walgreens before I started playing and I had enough insulin to get me through the tournament, but I learned valuable aspects about being prepared. I didn't have anything in my bag for a situation like this. 

Now, after being through this experience, I carry extra pump supplies, an extra bottle of strips, tabs, the little kit from Walgreens, and a bottle of insulin in my sports bag just in case. And, for school, I have a similar bag in my backpack. I also double check to make sure my kit is with me if I’m going somewhere. So, although it is usually not necessary to bring everything and the kitchen sink, it is reassuring to know I am prepared for anything when I leave the house. 

Being prepared for everyday life is important, but it is also important to be prepared in case of an emergency situation. You can read more about being prepared for an emergency situation diabetes.org. 

Diabetes Camp

This year, I am so excited to go back to diabetes camp with the American Diabetes Association! I’ve had the privilege of being a volunteer for the past four years and a camper at the Association day camps. I went as a camper the year after I was diagnosed and, as most campers are when they start, I felt scared, alone, and different. However, after just the first day at Camp, I gained confidence, hope, and learned a lot! When the week was over, I left with more experience, knowledge, and assurance. I went from being a scared kid, the only type one child in my entire school, to knowing that I was one of hundreds just in my community with the American Diabetes Association to help me! 

I’ve gained even more knowledge as a volunteer— every year that I return, I see kids give their first shots, test their blood sugar for the first time, or bolus from their pump with pride. Kids learn important, tangible diabetes information, like carb counting, safety, etc., but also non-tangible lessons like ‘diabetes makes me stronger,’ ‘I am no different than any other kid without diabetes,’ or ‘I can do anything!’ I am so lucky to be able to go to Camp every year as a volunteer to continue my learning - nothing is more heartening and special than watching kids go to Camp and have the American Diabetes Association Camp experience. 

Although it’s only one week, Camp lasts forever. It gives dozens of positive messages to kids that they will have in their toolbox for the rest of their lives and gives them connections that will also last them their entire lives. All of the volunteers are excellent role models who guide kids to safe management of diabetes through fun activities. As a volunteer, I’ve seen many campers undergo the positive changes of Camp- coming in scared and dependent on others for safe diabetes management and leaving confident in their own abilities. Personally, I’ve developed a network of friends through Camp who I know I can always count on if I’m having a bad day. Camp is an amazing experience for campers, volunteers, and parents alike! Don’t miss out this year!

You can register for Camp, and learn more at www.diabetes.org/illinoiscamps or contacting the American Diabetes Association at illinoiscamps@diabetes.org. 

The 2016 camp dates and locations are: 

June 20 to June 24 2016

Camp Confidence

Des Plaines, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

June 27 to July 1 2016

Camp Discovery

Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

July 10 to July 15 2016

Camp Granada (Camp is full, can register for wait list)

Monticello, Illinois

Age Range: 8 to 16 years

July 11 to July 15 2016

Camp Crossroads

Chicago, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

July 24 to July 30 2016

Triangle D

Ingleside, Illinois

Age Range: 9 to 13 years

July 31 to August 6 2016

Teen Adventure Camp  (Camp is full, can register for wait list)

Ingleside, Illinois

Age Range: 14 to 18 years

August 1 to August 5 2016

Camp Can Do

Palos Park, Illinois

Age Range: 4 to 9 years

American Diabetes Association Expo

Get ready, the 2016 American Diabetes Association Chicago Expo is here! 

 

The American Diabetes Association Expo is very, very informative and fun. It’s an amazing experience; everywhere you turn, you can find great information and tons of diabetes support! I handed out flyers in the  Family Fun Zone last year, and I saw firsthand how much effort goes into making sure that every person who walks through the door can learn and have as much fun as possible. I talked to friends, siblings, and teachers of many people with diabetes who came to learn and had that request fulfilled. It’s a great, great experience for all! Come take advantage of cooking demonstrations, giveaways, information, and medical/health screenings at the free Expo, April 9th in the Lakeside Center of McCormick Place! 

Learn more and register at www.diabetes.org/expochicago

Sports and Diabetes

Sports and diabetes can be tricky! Each different exercise requires something different from your body and therefore does something different to your blood sugar. It is an intricate calculation to figure out what/when/if to eat, how much insulin to take, how much you will play, and how all of these and other variables will affect your body and blood sugar. Over the years, I've played many different sports, including volleyball, hockey, track, basketball, and soccer and weight training/conditioning for many of these sports. I can confirm it is complicated to take all of these factors and calculate them, but from my athletic experiences I've gained wisdom.

One of the first things I've learned is talk to the coach(es). Keep a strong communication with him/her because your blood sugar will most likely be affected the most while exercising. Tell the coach exactly what you need and always tell him/her if something is wrong or you need to take a break to eat/drink/bolus. It can be weird or embarrassing to have to take a snack during games, but it is necessary and nothing to be ashamed of!

Sometimes, teammates will want to know why/what you’re eating or if they can have some. I've found that it’s usually easier to bring a “disguised” snack, like Gatorade, a protein bar, etc. to have so that you can “blend in” with others’ snack choices. Treating a low blood sugar is nothing to be ashamed of, but it can be easier and quicker to treat if people aren't asking questions or asking you to share.

Third, listen to your body! Take the time to check your blood sugar to see how your exercise affects you and learn to interpret the signs your body gives you. It’s no big deal if you ask your coach what exercises you’re doing that day so you can adequately prepare; for example, I personally keep my pump on when I lift weights, and on days that I practice volleyball I bolus for half my food before and take my pump off.

Lastly, make sure you have everything you need on the bench. In case of a situation, it’s easier to have your supplies near you rather than in your bag at the other end of the gym. Also, this can alleviate any anxiety you might have about going low and help you to focus on giving your all at whatever exercise you choose.

Be sure to check out the American Diabetes Association Webpage to learn more tips on how to prevent hypoglycemia while exercising or playing sports!

Good luck in all your future athletic endeavors!

-Amelia

2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador
American Diabetes Association

Dealing with Diabetes at School

One of the hardest thing about managing my diabetes is managing it at school. It can be uncomfortable to be high/low at school, awkward to tell people that you’re diabetic, or embarrassing to have to leave the classroom when no one else is available to help treat your blood sugar. Sometimes, it is hard to have to explain it over and over again to classmates who may not fully comprehend what diabetes is or the difference between type one and type two.

            Over the years, I've developed some strategies that have helped me deal with diabetes in school:

            a) It is very important to tell your teachers/coaches that you have diabetes. It’s reassuring to know you have support in case anything happens. Although I have a school diabetes management plan, I've found it helpful to make a clear, concise, one page document that I give to my teachers explaining what diabetes is, what I need, and a couple of other important details.

            b) I am very open about my diabetes. I keep my pump clipped to the outside of my pocket and I test in front of people. That is what works for me and my school; however, it is important to do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you want to tell only your close friends, that is completely fine! If you choose to have a whole-class meeting to tell your peers, that works too! Remember, it’s your diabetes and whatever works for you will work for everyone, too!

            c) Do whatever makes you comfortable! Diabetes is about you, and whatever makes you feel safe, secure, and happy is what should happen. It is you who has to deal with it all the time, and therefore everything you need should be provided to you! If you want a space to store your diabetes supplies within a classroom, permission to leave/stay in the classroom while you test, or having an alternate choice if an edible prize/snack is given in class that is not compatible with diabetes, that is something you deserve to have. 

And, if you have any questions about in-school diabetes management, the American Diabetes Association Safe at School program has great resources to support you, you can find more information at www.diabetes.org/safeatschool. 

Thanks!

Amelia Renner

2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador
American Diabetes Association

Introducing the American Diabetes Association 2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador!

Hello! My name is Amelia Renner and I am the American Diabetes Association 2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador. I am fifteen years old and a freshman in high school in downtown Chicago. I play competitive volleyball at a club and at my school, I love to read, and I use an Animas insulin pump and meter.

I began my experience with the American Diabetes Association almost immediately after my diagnosis. I was diagnosed in August of 2009, right before I went into the third grade. I was terrified, anxious, and completely dependent on my parents and teachers to control my diabetes for me. My mom then sent me to the American Diabetes Association Camp Confidence where I learned many, many lessons on managing my diabetes, viewed many positive role models, learned about my condition, made new friends, and had a great time! 

For the past 3 years I have been volunteering at Camp Crossroads and for the past 2 years at Camp Confidence because it is so important for people with diabetes to learn these lessons and I am sure that American Diabetes Association diabetes camps are the best places for this to occur. To me, being the Illinois Youth Ambassador means that I get to help more people learn these lessons and get to know the American Diabetes Association support system. I am very, very lucky to have been able to participate in diabetes camps and to have become the American Diabetes Association 2016 Illinois Youth Ambassador; I am very excited to work in this position and to get to know all of you!!

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