Elyssa Stepan

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Elyssa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2004 when she was eight years old. She spent just under a week in the hospital and remembers feeling confused, though she was likely too young to fully understand the impact the diagnosis would have on her life. Interestingly, her memories of that time are mostly positive. She remembers feeling surrounded by love and receiving gifts while she was in hospital, including a mini DVD player that she thought was the coolest thing in the world. Looking back, Elyssa recognizes that while she felt cared for and safe, the experience was likely far more terrifying for her parents and family, who were suddenly transitioning from full-time parents to full-time caregivers. 

As Elyssa grew older, she began to feel the true weight of what it means to live with diabetes. One of her biggest challenges is the emotional burden of constantly holding space for the “what ifs” that come with every decision. Whether it is an insulin dose, a medical device change, a food choice, physical activity, driving, going to bed, waking up, or traveling, there is always an added layer of uncertainty. Alongside that comes the heaviness of guilt when something goes wrong, even when she has done everything she can to manage it well. 

Despite these challenges, Elyssa truly believes diabetes has shaped her into an exceptionally strong person. Living with diabetes has brought trauma and difficulty, but it has also built resilience and perspective. It has reinforced a strength that extends beyond diabetes management and into every part of life. It has also sparked in Elyssa a deep passion for helping others feel less alone and more supported in their own journeys. 

Elyssa is a registered nurse and now works as a diabetes nurse educator. Through her professional role, she has found community, connection, and purpose. She is able to combine clinical knowledge with lived experience, supporting others in ways that are compassionate, informed, and deeply personal. 

Outside of her work and advocacy, Elyssa is excited to be getting married this summer. She and her future husband will be adventuring around New Zealand for their honeymoon. Elyssa loves to travel and feels proud that she does not let diabetes stand in the way of living fully. 

Elyssa is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to help change the conversation around diabetes, challenge stigma, and remind others that strength, joy, and a full life are still possible. 

#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma