8 years ago I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Not only was my life turned upside down but so was our family’s. Soon after being diagnosed, my parents reached out to JDRF. JDRF has given me/us a place to connect with other T1Ds and families. JDRF gives us hope yearly that one day I will be cured of type 1 diabetes.

 

This year I was named to the 2020 SSSF All-Scholastic Team. To qualify for this honor, I needed to post a 3.0 higher grade point, shooting excellent scores in recent  competition and demonstrate outstanding community involvement. Our Ammo and Insulin Charity Shoot combine my love of shooting sports with my need to help the community that has been with me for the last 8 years, JDRF.  Because of their research funding, I am on my second generation artificial pancreas and this technology has made daily living with type 1 easier. It has also allowed me to do things that when I was diagnosed I didn’t think I would be able to do. This year I went to State for Men’s Swimming and this fall I will be able to pursue my dream to be a police officer while attending WCTC. These things are all possible because I didn’t let diabetes control me, I control diabetes.

 

On a side note, many may not know but my grandpa is also a type 1 diabetic and recently we found out that my 12 year old cousin is also type 1. So please consider helping out and donating. You never know if it will be your family or friends next.