Jodi was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with diabetes. She had all the textbook signs; increased thirst, frequent urination when she was hungry, she had to eat that instant. It is funny but at the time she didn't even notice how it had affected her family....
“My mom and dad quickly learned to give injections, count carbohydrates and know the signs and symptoms of my hypo or hyperglycemia and how to treat it affectively and I just went on being a kid. I was very fortunate looking back how difficult that must have been on my parents and when I became the legal drinking age and they had to contend with alcohol induced hypo's at 3am... my mom would come down to my room poke my finger and bring me a glass of crystal light lemon lime juice. My parents always allowed me to be human first and to make mistakes and I am forever grateful for their never-ending support. I could have never appreciated their fear until I became a mother myself to 4 beautiful children.”
Jodi's biggest success is becoming a mom, and even though it had it's ups and downs, she's excited to share her story for other people facing the same challenges.
“Living with type 1 diabetes can be somewhat of a chore daily, but add a few extra pounds and a whole lot of hormones and, wow, it sometimes feels like a full-time job! I am a registered nurse and I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 12 years old. I am now 41 and I have four beautiful healthy children.
Although more work, it is very possible to have a healthy pregnancy on multiple dose injection (MDI) therapy, but I had developed significant lipohypertrophy from large doses of glargine. After my third child, my endocrinologist convinced me to consider pump therapy. I was opposed to the idea for a long time – “if it wasn’t broke why fix it” – and I felt I was managing my diabetes fairly well. He asked me to consider it, stating not only is it the “gold standard” of diabetes care today but it would allow me even better control and would be simply life changing. I was a huge skeptic; I did not want to be attached to something around the clock, the pump I would wear would label me and everyone would know I had diabetes and, more importantly, my colleagues at the hospital said “only brittle diabetics” wear those insulin pumps.”
Jodi was fortunate to manage each unique challenge she faced in her pregnancies and understands the positive impact that devices can have on your diabetes management, even if it makes your once invisible disease now visible to the world.
Jodi is modelling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to help raise awareness, but to also share her story with others who may be quietly wondering if they are alone. “We are not alone!”
Jodi wants to pay it forward and give back to the community, she wants to help other children just like her by raising funds to give them the opportunity to attend D-Camps, where they can meet other kids with diabetes and feel a sense of friendship, community and belonging.
Please show your support by helping Jodi reach her fundraising to send more kids to D-Camps!
Share this page and check back often for fundraising and event updates.
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