Olivia's Story

Hi, my name is Olivia! I am 18 years old, I’m from Palos Verdes Estates, California, and I have had Type 1 Diabetes for 7 years. I was diagnosed after six months of going to four different doctors who thought I had an eating disorder. On July 12th, 2010 myfourth doctor decided to test my blood sugar and the meter read 451. The mystery was solved. After six months of not knowing why my body was failing me, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Diabetes was actually the biggest blessing in disguise. In that moment of being scared, anxious, and worried. I realized something. I realized I was given this disease for a reason and I was going to do my part to help change the world and find a cure. I became a JDRF ambassador, raised $5,000 dollars for the American Diabetes Association Walk, worked at various JDRF galas and events, and will continue to spread awareness for the rest of my life. This fall I will be attending Amherst College where I will major in political science and hope to eventually get a law degree.

I don’t believe I was fully living my life until I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It helped me discover one of my biggest passions in life, running. Initially I started off as a young, anxious sixth grader and my dad would run alongside me with a massive fanny pack with all of the tools to help me in case I had a low blood sugar. But as time went on, I became more confident with diabetes and was able to run 12 miles with my supportive teammates and coaches. I fell in love with running. My cross country team won State twice and even made it to Nationals my senior year. I wouldn't have discovered my love for running without diabetes. I am now going to run cross country and track at Amherst College.

Diabetes isn’t easy. It’s a constant roller coaster. It’s hard to be positive at times when you wake up in the middle of the night at 30. As diabetics we have learned to adapt and accept that things will constantly change. The best thing we can do is embrace diabetes and continue to spread awareness. Type 1 Diabetes has given me a wonderful new family who I instantly connect with because we aren’t alone. We have each other. My Instagram is @oliviapolischeck and I want to show people with Type 1 Diabetes that they aren’t alone and they too can live the T1D Dream with me.

Olivia Polischeck