Silvie's life took a sudden turn when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 7. Understandably, both Silvie and her family were devastated by the news. However, it wasn't until four months after her diagnosis, during her first visit to D-Camp, that Silvie began to feel a sense of acceptance towards her new reality.
Despite facing the challenges of diabetes with remarkable resilience, there are moments when Silvie finds herself struggling. When strangers ask her about her Dexcom and Omnipod, it sometimes makes her feel singled out and different. She also wishes she could be able to enjoy eating without the burden of counting carbs and taking insulin, a privilege that most of her friends don’t even have to think about.
In addition to managing her diabetes, Silvie is a competitive cheerleader, tackling extra hurdles to ensure her participation in practices and competitions are safe and successful. But above all, Silvie takes pride in her growing independence in managing her Type 1 Diabetes.
Being asked to participate in the Pump Couture event fills Silvie with immense happiness. Not only does it allow her to contribute to fundraising efforts for D-Camp, but it also gives her a chance to educate people about Type 1 Diabetes. But what truly makes the event special for Silvie is the opportunity to connect with other people living with Type 1 Diabetes.
“I went to my first D-Camp just a few months after my diagnosis. At camp, you share stuff with the people there that my parents don’t even understand. I made lifelong friendships that helped me feel not so alone anymore.” - Silvie
Like so many others with Type 1 Diabetes, Silvie's journey is a testament to her strength, resilience, and unwavering determination to thrive despite the challenges thrown her way.