Kayla was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes three years ago, and it was quite surprising. Initially, it was a huge adjustment—everything changed, from travel and family dinners to activities and trips to their cottage. Fast forward to today, and while Type 1 is a part of their life, it's not all of it. Kayla is back to doing all the things that make her, her! She credits her incredible family and awesome friends for helping her get here.
Kayla jokes about working for free as her daughter's personal assistant. For a small family, they are busy! When she's not working her day job, teaching night school, or driving to and from school and lessons, she loves to work out, shop, go to the spa, read, and spend time with the people she loves. Managing diabetes adds a lot more decisions and thought to day-to-day living. Sometimes she wishes she could do something without strategizing, but those strategies keep her safe and prevent her brain from atrophy.
Kayla loves when people ask about diabetes so she can talk about Type 1. From a practical perspective, it has been a game changer in how she responds to living life as a "walking, talking, well-dressed pancreas!" One challenge is not being able to sleep on the side where her device is attached. She advises others to take time for themselves to decompress and give their minds time to rest.
Kayla is participating in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness and fundraise as much as possible, and to inspire others to donate and join the fight. She believes Type 1 diabetes forces you to grow up fast, so allowing kids to navigate summer camp in a safe, fully staffed environment is incredibly empowering. She loves hearing camp stories and seeing kids reconnect with camp friends at various events.
Kayla is proud of her progress over the past three years. She feels like she has come full circle and is proud of herself. Pre-diagnosis, she and her husband would go to Jamaica in the winter. Last year, they finally went as a family, and it was incredible. Looking back, she knows she overanalyzed things, but Type 1 didn't slow them down.
Kayla wants to show that diabetes won’t hold her back and hopes to inspire others. Please show your support by helping Kayla reach her fundraising goal to send more kids to D-Camps! Share this page and check back often for fundraising and event updates.
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