CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Brianna was diagnosed with diabetes on October 30, 2011, right before Halloween. At the time, she was playing competitive soccer and remembers feeling constantly tired and run down without understanding why. After bloodwork at her doctor’s office, she was rushed to the hospital, where everything changed. One moment that has stayed with her was sitting in the hospital during a blood draw and telling her mom she hoped she would never need needles again, just moments before the doctor walked in with her diagnosis.
Diabetes brings unpredictability into Brianna’s daily life. She can feel fine at work and suddenly experience a drop in blood sugar without warning. In those moments, it can be hard to explain what is happening or to step away, even though taking care of herself is essential. Managing constant highs and lows is exhausting, and there is rarely a true break from it.
Brianna has also learned how little many people understand about diabetes. Some are unaware of it altogether, while others make assumptions that do not reflect the reality of living with the condition. Despite this, diabetes has shaped Brianna in meaningful ways. It forced her to grow up quickly and taught her responsibility at a young age. It continues to influence her daily life and decisions in lasting ways.
Living with diabetes has also given Brianna resilience and perspective. She has learned that bad days are part of the journey and that perfection is not realistic. Outside of diabetes, she has always had a deep passion for animals, which led her to a career in animal rescue. She feels grateful to work alongside dedicated and inspiring team members and is proud to contribute to work that helps animals in need every day.
Brianna is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness and help others feel seen and understood. She believes in taking life one day at a time, knowing that both good days and hard days are completely normal.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
