CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
On November 1, 2024, Chama’s world and her family’s world changed forever when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at just 7 years old. For her mom, it was a wave of worry, sadness, and confusion all at once. For Chama, it was a bewildering moment, because trying to understand a lifelong condition at that age is incredibly hard. Overnight, she had to adapt to new treatments, a new routine, and a new reality that made life feel different than it had before.
But through that life changing moment, something powerful was revealed: Chama’s strength.
Her family has watched her show resilience beyond her years. Day after day, she has worked to stay positive, adjust, and keep living fully, even when it’s been hard. Her diagnosis also taught her family how important it is to fight for true inclusion, so Chama can feel safe, supported, and able to live as close as possible to the life every child deserves.
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the school system. In the beginning, Chama’s family felt like she was being treated as a “problem” instead of a child who simply needed accommodations for safety. Even when inclusion was being talked about, she was being pushed aside. Every step forward felt like resistance, and her family fought tirelessly to ensure she was understood, respected, and protected.
That fight was exhausting. There were moments of tears, frustration, and feeling completely drained, but they kept going because they refused to let Chama feel different or less than. Eventually, they changed schools and even countries, only to find themselves fighting again in a new environment. The battles continued: explaining her needs, pushing for proper accommodations, and advocating for her basic safety.
Through it all, Chama’s family has learned what so many people don’t see. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not just about insulin. It’s a constant balancing act of food, activity, stress, emotions, and daily adjustments, and it takes incredible strength to manage it, especially as a child.
Living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has shaped Chama and her family in profound ways. For Chama, it has built resilience and maturity that inspires everyone around her. For her family, it has created deeper patience, empathy, and a mindset of focusing on solutions instead of obstacles. T1D has strengthened their bond and changed their perspective on what truly matters.
And Chama? She is a total force of nature.
She is extroverted, confident, and proudly open about her diabetes. She owns it like a champion. She loves arts and crafts, brings joy wherever she goes, and at school she was even crowned the “Salad Queen”, the only kid who actually finishes her vegetables every time. Her family calls her a little superhero in disguise, and honestly, they’re not wrong.
Chama is modelling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to help raise awareness, break stigma, and show the world what strength truly looks like.
Her family’s message is one of hope:
“If you’ve just been diagnosed, or you love someone who has, know that this is not the end of the story. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. There will be hard days, but you are not defined by diabetes. You are defined by your courage, resilience, and ability to keep going. Celebrate every small victory, take things one step at a time, and remember: you are never alone.”
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
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