Diabetes is something that has run in Jennifer’s family for as long as she can remember. Her grandfather on her father's side had diabetes, her dad was diagnosed in his adult years and not long after that, Jennifer learned that she also has type 2 diabetes.
The summer that she was transitioning from middle school to high school she wasn’t feeling well but was so ashamed of her symptoms she decided to go to a walk-in teen clinic. It took her an hour each way and she was so nervous she didn’t even bring her health card or truly understand all the intake forms she had to fill in.
“When I finally went in to see the nurse, they took my vitals and looked at my symptoms. I remember she said that it was possible I had diabetes but needed to confirm it with a blood test and urine sample. After the tests came back, the nurse told me that I had type 2 diabetes and would refer me to the Children's Hospital. Then she asked me if there was an adult or someone that she could call, and I couldn’t think of anyone else but my dad. This was hard because I had to tell him where I went and why. I remember when we went and picked up my first prescription, I could feel that my dad was disappointed but was trying to be supportive. I knew that deep down he felt that my diabetes was his fault and that he ultimately passed it down to me.”
Over the next couple weeks Jennifer and her dad were able to go to the Children’s Hospital and learn how to use and take insulin, how to understand her blood sugar readings and the tools to stay on top of healthy eating habits. Taking care of her diabetes has had its ups and downs and has taken a toll on her family, especially because of the constraints they were already facing financially. Even just the added cost of healthy foods was felt by all of them.
It took some time and a lot of learning, but Jennifer finally was able to adjust and accept her new normal. Being a teenager and dealing with a chronic disease was very hard, but she had a great support system in her family and her healthcare team, and she will be forever grateful for all of them.
Jennifer is modelling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show because she wants to spread awareness about diabetes, especially for children and youth. Being diagnosed at a young age is very difficult and she wishes that it didn’t happen, but until there is a cure, she thinks that being a part of an impactful event and sharing her story is one thing she can do to help.
“People need to understand that the image that we see in our heads of someone living with diabetes is not a true reflection of who these people really are. People living with diabetes come in all different shapes and sizes and I’m excited to be a part of an event that showcases that.”
Jennifer is raising money to send kids living with diabetes to D-Camps, because as the Co-Chair for ICARE for diabetes research and with a diploma in Child and Youth Care, she understands firsthand the challenges that children face daily. She believes that being able to provide them with tools to help them learn independence in their diabetes management to transition them from pediatric care to adult care is very important.
Please show your support by helping Jennifer reach her fundraising goal to send more kids to D-Camps!
Share this page and check back often for fundraising and event updates.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow
