Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease. This means that it doesn’t go away. T1D can affect anyone at any age, though it usually is diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
Founded in 1970 by families whose loved ones had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is a nonprofit organization. As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, they’re helping make everyday life better while driving toward cures.
With T1D, the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is an essential hormone that helps the body turn food into energy. People living with type 1 diabetes must take insulin by injection or insulin pump to survive.
Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassador Program
Breakthrough T1D has 64 Houston-area Youth Ambassadors in the Houston area this year. Here in Cypress, we have seven inspirational youth ambassadors with Breakthrough T1D. Their job is to help increase T1D awareness in the community, volunteer for activities impacting Breakthrough T1D’s mission, and raise funds to help achieve a world without Type 1 diabetes.
In addition to these responsibilities, Youth Ambassadors can socialize with other youth who live with T1D and have fun while making new friends and creating memories along the way. The program’s ultimate goal is that Youth Ambassadors will make a tangible impact in advancing the mission work of Breakthrough T1D.
The ambassador program is incredibly important and gives the youth a chance to use their voice to break misconceptions, advocate for better technology to make their lives easier, and fight for a cure. These children are truly inspirational, finding strength in sharing their stories and educating those around them.
Advocating to Squash Myths About T1D
The Cypress Youth Ambassadors are inspirational and wise beyond their years. We asked them what they wished people knew about life with Type 1 Diabetes.
“We aren’t like other kids, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do stuff like other kids.” Marie Cerny
“Diabetes has its ups and downs, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Ruth Cerny
“Diabetes is always work, even when you don’t feel like dealing with it. I have a great life and do everything that I want because I keep putting in the work." Landon Yates
“I wish people knew all the time and effort that goes into managing it. There are no breaks from diabetes." Reagan Josefy
“I want people to know that Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are not the same. My pancreas doesn’t produce the insulin I need, and I can’t change that by eating differently or exercising more.” Sophia Heschel
“I wish people understood that people with Type 1 can eat anything they want, but they have to take insulin for everything they eat. I also wish they understood that if I dosed myself for something I am eating, it is difficult for me if they ask if they can have some.” Lillian McGinn
Many kids feel misunderstood, and isolated, and sometimes are even reprimanded for what is simply necessary medical care. Teachers and classmates might not see what it takes just to stay safe and healthy during a typical school day.
Despite how brutal and difficult living with type 1 diabetes can be, getting involved in advocacy and volunteer work provides these kids with a sense of purpose and meaning. It turns a challenging situation into one where they can make a difference. It’s also a community and a support system for the kids and their families.
Living with T1D is extra work, but with the right support and information, one can lead a fulfilling, active life.