Brandon's Story

My name is Brandon A. Denson and I live with type 1 diabetes. I was diagnosed entering my senior year of high school, yes I said senior year of high school. It was like my world had been turned upside down. I was coming off a knee surgery and still was undecided on what university I would be attending next fall. I remember very vividly watching my mother cry her eyes out at the hospital and blame everything that was happening to me on herself. I suppose any parent would do this for their child but I made my mother a promise that I would be fine, we would be fine. I’m not going to lie I did not know what was to come after being diagnosed with diabetes but the picture that I had painted in my head was that I wasn’t going to let anything stop me not even this chronic illness. After my senior year of high school, I made the executive decision to attend Michigan State University. I had the privilege to walk on the the Michigan State football team where I then earned a 3 year full ride scholarship after my freshman year. Yes, I went from being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes to walking on without a scholarship at a major Big Ten University. I would be lying if I said making adjustments were easy, because they we’rent but just like anything else the main thing living with type 1 diabetes is consistently trying to get better is the key. Support from family, friends, co-workers, and teammates make a huge difference. This world a.k.a bubble we live in is very unique. If I can give you any advice don’t be afraid to share your story because you never know who it could help or who could actually be in your shoes. Trust the process and be patient because diabetes is no sprint it’s a marathon. Always remember we live with diabetes but it doesn’t define who we are or what we’re capable of doing.

Brandon A. Denson