CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Anthony was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in March 2021, just before his 10th birthday. He was in Grade 4 when his mom noticed some symptoms and took him to the doctor, who quickly sent them to the Emergency Room at the IWK. The diagnosis came as a huge shock to Anthony and his family, especially for a kid who was constantly on the move. From the very beginning, everything Anthony did, from playing to eating to being active, had an impact on his diabetes.
As an active teenager, planning ahead is one of Anthony’s biggest challenges. Remembering supplies, thinking about carbohydrates, and staying prepared can be difficult when life moves fast. One of the hardest parts, however, is navigating public misunderstanding. When a device beeps or alarms, questions and comments often follow, reminding him how little many people understand about diabetes.
Looking back, Anthony is sometimes surprised by how much his perspective has changed. Things that once felt overwhelming, like needles, pokes, and device changes, have become just another part of his day. Living with diabetes has also made him more aware of his overall health and wellness, helping him develop responsibility and resilience at a young age.
Despite the challenges of T1D, Anthony remains incredibly active. While he is currently recovering from a knee injury and waiting to have his ACL repaired, he has found a new passion in archery. He is eager to return to track, snowboarding, golf, and biking once he is healed. Staying active is an important part of who Anthony is, and diabetes has never taken that away.
D-Camps hold a special place in Anthony’s heart. He has attended for four years, spending two summers at Lion Maxwell and two at Morton, and is already registered for camp again this year. Last summer, just eight days after tearing his ACL, Anthony still went to camp on crutches. Swimming quickly became his favourite activity, especially since it meant he did not need his crutches in the water. Camp remains his favourite week of the year.
Anthony would recommend D-Camps to any kid living with T1D for two important reasons. Camp allows kids to feel like regular kids without constantly worrying about diabetes, and it gives parents a well-deserved break, even if his mom insists he did not have to say that.
Anthony is modelling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to help raise awareness and remind others that while diabetes may change life, it does not change it for the worse. T1D is part of who he is, but it does not define him. As Anthony often says, he is a kid first and a person living with diabetes second.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
