Dana LewisHuntsville, AlabamaWhen I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a freshman in high school, I never imagined that I would get through high school with a diploma — and diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes made it difficult. It was hard to imagine that I would get through high school, let alone the rest of my life! Fast forward seven years later. I'm now a senior in college, getting ready to graduate with another degree. Diabetes still hasn't gone away. I'm amazed sometimes that I have made it this far. Even though I'm naturally persistent, sometimes living with diabetes can be incredibly overwhelming. I am so fortunate to have a fantastic family who supports me. They've been there since day one! However, I am graduating from college soon and getting ready for the next "stage" of my life. I will likely end up living several states away from my family. In addition to the traditional fears of a young adult achieving full independence, I'm terrified about living on my own with diabetes. It's time to stop diabetes. Stop it for my family, so I know my parents won't worry halfway across the country whether I wake up every morning. Stop it for me, so diabetes doesn't get in the way of my everyday life. Stop diabetes for my future! |