CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes
Chantelle was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on December 15, 2023. She was diagnosed at Brightshores Southampton Hospital and then sent by ambulance to the pediatric unit at Owen Sound Hospital. Chantelle remembers feeling surprised when the doctors told her she had type 1 diabetes, and at the time, she didn’t fully understand what it was or what it would mean for her life moving forward. Since then, she has been supported by an incredible diabetes care team who has helped her learn, adjust, and grow in confidence.
One of Chantelle’s biggest challenges is managing blood sugar during school and extracurricular activities. Going low means she sometimes has to sit out, and she especially hates stopping in the middle of dance class. Finding the balance between food, insulin, and exercise can be hard, and it requires constant planning and awareness.
Diabetes has also changed how Chantelle approaches everyday life. Before leaving the house, she has to plan ahead to make sure she has diabetes supplies, snacks, treatments for lows, and her phone. Travel requires even more preparation, including packing a large amount of supplies, insulin, and food.
Through all of this, Chantelle has become stronger and more resilient. She is a competitive dancer who performs in hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, lyrical, and acro. She also enjoys gymnastics, and her mom says she is always upside down. Chantelle dreams of going to medical school one day to become a pediatrician, so she can help others the way her care team has helped her.
Chantelle attended D-Camps and says it was a life-changing experience. Before camp, she had only met one other person living with type 1 diabetes. At camp, she made best friends, tried new activities like swimming, crafts, games, archery, and swamp walks, and felt the joy of being surrounded by people who truly understand what life with diabetes is like.
Chantelle is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and support D-Camps. Her message to someone newly diagnosed is honest, funny, and hopeful. Treating lows with Kool-Aid gets old fast, but it truly does get better. You get used to the needles and insulin pump site changes, and you can still live a full and exciting life. She encourages others to go to D-Camps and events like Pump Couture because they are fun, empowering, and a chance to meet people just like you.
#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma
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