Danielle was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was just 18 months old. With no family history of Type 1, it was a complete shock. She had been very sick, drinking bath water, losing weight, and having no appetite. It was hard for her family to understand as she wasn’t even talking much yet. Danielle was brought to the Brandon ER where she was immediately diagnosed. After a couple of days, she was sent to DERCA in Winnipeg for a week while her family got trained. Danielle doesn’t remember life before diabetes and has had quite the journey since then. She has attended D-Camps, tried many diabetes devices, and has been an advocate her entire life.
Managing low blood sugars and carb counting are daily challenges. She describes herself as shy at first, but once you get to know her, she is super goofy and extroverted. Danielle emphasizes that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are not the same thing. She appreciates when others notice her diabetes devices and ask about it, as it gives her the opportunity to share her experience and provide information. She loves to advocate and help others.
Growing up dancing, diabetes affected some of the costumes she wore, and she has had issues with allergic reactions to adhesives. Despite these challenges, she is completely comfortable and confident. Danielle advises others that they are not alone and that there is always support available. She believes diabetes isn’t a life sentence and that you can still be successful and confident. While she doesn’t understand the entire switch of life before and after diabetes, she wants to show others that they can still do anything and live a healthy life.
Danielle is participating in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness and have a little fun. She has never done anything like this before and thought it would be super fun! She has attended D-Camps three times! She met many friends there, and it was nice to have everyone share something in common. Danielle believes D-Camps are super important because kids are surrounded by others with the same disease and can encourage each other.
Currently attending school for nursing, Danielle plans to help children with diabetes in the future with her BSN, RN. She is super proud of being halfway through the program and working hard to get there.
Danielle wants to show that diabetes won’t hold her back and hopes to inspire others. Please show your support by helping Danielle reach her fundraising goal to send more kids to D-Camps! Share this page and check back often for fundraising and event updates.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow
