The Bad 1

In The Bad 1, I wanted to shine a light on the challenges people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face and the ways they’re often misunderstood or made to feel different.

When our daughter was diagnosed with T1D during the pandemic, it turned our world upside down. We learned quickly how to manage the medical side—how to count carbs, calculate insulin, and anticipate changes in her blood sugar. Those lessons helped keep her safe. But nothing prepared us for the emotional side—the fear, frustration, and isolation she would experience or the resilience it would demand to overcome those feelings. Kids who live with chronic illness learn to carry wisdom far beyond their years.

The strength I see in our daughter inspires me every day and has changed how I see the world and the work I want to do. Advocating for T1D mental health awareness and addressing stigma have become central to my purpose. I’m now pursuing a Master’s in Counseling, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor to support children and families living with chronic conditions.