Stephanie’s Story

“ Accepting my T1D diagnosis was no easy task. I vividly remember the moment I found out. I was driving when my phone rang and my family doctor shared the news. I instantly broke down in tears. My heart shattered. Living with a fear of needles, the idea of multiple daily injections seemed unimaginable to me. The next few months to follow are a blur. It was consistent waves of emotion. I went from feeling devastated and heartbroken about my diagnosis to feeling empowered and determined. It wasn’t until I turned to social media to connect with the T1D community that I truly started to accept my new life living with a chronic illness with no cure. Seeing the abundance amount of support and encouragement from other people experiencing the same struggles as me motivated me in many ways. Meeting people who have lived with T1D for decades and seeing young children juggling daily injections inspired me. Although T1D has tested my mental health and resiliency, it has brought some blessings into my life. Fast forward 7 months, I have shifted my career in health to work for the American Diabetes Association, currently serve as a mentor for newly diagnosed diabetics, and work to pay forward the support I so desperately needed when I was diagnosed.”

Stephanie Weaver