CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Gwen was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) when she was eight years old, on New Year’s Day in 2026. Before her diagnosis, Gwen was extremely tired, something her mom noticed when Gwen struggled with simple daily tasks. Concerned, her mom took her to the hospital early that morning, where they were admitted almost immediately. Doctors discovered Gwen had lost nearly 15 pounds. Later that day, Gwen was transferred by ambulance from the Olds Hospital to the Alberta Children’s Hospital during a major snowstorm, an experience she will never forget.
Gwen spent two nights in the hospital and remembers being wheeled through the halls on a very tall rolling bed. Soon after starting treatment, she began to feel better and realized just how unwell she had been before. Since then, Gwen feels like she has started a new chapter in life, one filled with change but also new strength.
Managing diabetes comes with daily challenges, including insulin injections and treating low blood sugar. Social situations can be difficult, especially when candy is handed out at school or during hockey and she needs to wait before eating. Even so, Gwen handles these moments with patience and maturity.
Diabetes has not stopped Gwen from doing what she loves. She plays hockey and proudly earned the Most Improved Player award after her diagnosis. She is also excited to attend overnight camp for the first time and travel to Brazil with her family later this year, proving that diabetes does not limit her adventures.
Living with T1D has made Gwen stronger and more confident. She dreams of becoming a dietitian or endocrinologist to help others like her. When leaving the children’s hospital, Gwen wrote on her room’s whiteboard, “I come back stronger than a 90’s trend,” inspired by a Taylor Swift song. Gwen believes diabetes is not the end of the world and is grateful for insulin, diabetes camp, and even the Diabetes Fashion Show.
Gwen is modeling to show that diabetes is only one part of her story — and it will never hold her back.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
