Karen's journey with diabetes began on January 17, 2018, when she was initially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, it wasn't until July 15, 2019, that she received the correct diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. The news was overwhelming, and she recalls crying for about an hour and a half after her appointment, feeling scared and uncertain about the future.
Karen's path hasn't been easy. Just two months after her diabetes diagnosis, she needed emergency abdominal surgery and was diagnosed with endometriosis. She has experienced abdominal pain, emergency room visits, and even DKA due to lack of insulin during a hospital stay. A bad cold last January led to dehydration and another urgent care visit. Managing type 1 diabetes is complex, with many decisions and challenges, especially when eating out or dealing with low blood sugar and ketones.
Despite these obstacles, Karen is proud of her resilience. She went on a trip to Montreal just one month after starting insulin, determined not to let diabetes stop her. With the support of her endocrinology team, she learned to carb count and navigated the trip successfully, even though it was her first time flying alone and without her family.
Karen loves to bake, do crafts, and spend time with her nieces and nephew. She is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes and support D-Camps. She hopes her story will inspire others and help send more kids to D-Camps.
Please show your support by helping Karen reach her fundraising goal to send more kids to D-Camps!
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