Alyssa Tangerine 

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Alyssa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, after months of unexplained weight loss and unquenchable thirst. As her symptoms worsened, her vision became blurry, and everything started to add up. Being diagnosed at 16 years old was incredibly difficult. Just as Alyssa was beginning to gain independence, diabetes temporarily took that freedom back. 

Now, as a parent herself, Alyssa reflects on those early years with a new perspective. She can only imagine the constant worry her parents carried, not just through her teenage years, but every single day after her diagnosis. 

Alyssa wants people to understand that diabetes is not something you manage once in a while — it is a 24/7 condition. There are no breaks, no days off, and no “pause button.” And while diabetes management often happens quietly in the background, it impacts every part of life. 

That’s why Alyssa is modelling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show. She is passionate about raising awareness, challenging stigma, and helping more people understand how life-changing diabetes technology can be. Using tools like a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump has helped Alyssa manage diabetes more safely and confidently, and she wants others to know how much these advancements can improve quality of life. 

When asked about one of her proudest moments, Alyssa shared something that captures the heart of this event: 

“I’m proud to be a part of an incredible community of superheroes! Fighting this disease 24/7 is exhausting and the support and comradery that this community offers is simply like no other!” 

Alyssa is walking the runway to help raise funds to send more kids to D-Camps, where children living with diabetes can feel understood, supported, and never alone. 

Please show your support by helping Alyssa reach her fundraising goal and supporting the diabetes community. 

#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma