"I was diagnosed with T1D on july 2 2021. I felt really sad because I thought my life would change forever. I really wanted to leave the hospital and go back to my normal life with no insulin injections.

Realizing a new normal was ahead of me I decided to get busy learning about the disease and helping others. The first thing I did was create a team, Taylan's Tricks or Treats, and do a Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF One) Walk. My mom then met Miss Samantha and connected me with Elbowbumpkid Inc where I met other kids with T1D. I then decided after my first year of diagnosis, I could still lead a normal life. I started playing basketball in my first year back, and my team won the championship.

I didn't stop there, I decided to push myself in my education and apply for the  Aerospace and Engineering program at my school. And by the grace of God... I made it in. After completing the aerospace program in middle school, I decided to push myself further and apply to EC Goodwin Tech to continue the engineering curriculum...and I got accepted!!!

By accepting that T1D is a part of me until a cure is developed, I have decided to thrive despite the diagnosis." 

Kaitlin and Ivy both won our college scholarship this year - their applications clearly demonstrated their commitment to the community. 

Ivy was diagnosed at age 7 and Kaitlin was diagnosed at age 9, so both remember live before T1D. Both women have supportive networks at school and in sports that are knowledgeable about T1D. In fact, both have tips for parents whose kids play sports: make sure the coaches and friends playing know what to do when they are low. Ivy is an amazing softball player and says: "set the expectation when educating Coach that just because you are low for 5 minutes doesn't mean you can't keep playing the game!" Kaitlin says: "don't forget to educate your college roommate about low blood sugar protocol as well."

Both students are patients at Connecticut Children's and appreciate the consultative relationships they have with their providers.

Check out Idan's video discussing his Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis and if he could turn back time and choose his life as a T1D kid or not, what he would choose... you might be surprised!

Our July Thriving Thursday post features the original Elbowbumpkid. Saige, this month Saige celebrates their 16th diaversary! Happy diaversary Saige, keep being a superstar!

​

Saige runs our diaversary program, helps at events, mentors newly diagnosed children and helps coordinate any kits/mailings for programs. Saige is always in the background giving feedback and helping families connect. That includes being silly with other teenagers at events too!

​

Saige has learned to never let T1D deter from anything and to adapt it for school/sports/everyday life.

Thanks Saige, keep up your fantastic community work!

Audrey  is at many of our local events and while we hate that she has to live with T1D, we are so glad we have her light in our community! She has such a positive outlook, here's a little poem from her to brighten your day:

​

Find ways to love your diabetes even if no one around you has it

We are all just sweet

We are the sweetest people around

There are highs and lows and party's

Live like diabetes was yesterday and you are today

Diabetes doesn't define you but being sweet does

Stay strong and always remember you are the hero

​