Jenessa Exner

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Jenessa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in March 2024 when she was eight years old. Her diagnosis came as a complete shock to her family. Her dad noticed that she had been extremely thirsty and needed to use the bathroom more often. He recognized the signs and encouraged her mom to take her to the doctor, even though her mom could not imagine that a healthy, active young girl could have diabetes. Thanks to her dad’s awareness, Jenessa was diagnosed before going into diabetic ketoacidosis. Although she spent a week in the hospital, she remembers feeling fairly well and feeling supported by the friends and family who visited.

From the beginning, Jenessa’s family worked hard to create positive experiences around diabetes so that it would not feel only scary. Jenessa has since discovered that the diabetes community is full of fun, connection, and support. She has loved attending D-Camps and has also participated in diabetes walks and conferences that helped her feel understood and less alone.

Jenessa faces many daily challenges, especially around school, activities, and social situations. She dislikes having to sit on the sidelines while waiting for her blood sugar to rise when she is low. She also finds it difficult to wait for insulin timing while friends can eat immediately. Diabetes has even impacted her clothing choices, as she has had to think about how to wear outfits that allow access to her insulin pump. Sleepovers and play dates were also difficult in the first year, although things have improved as her independence has grown and as her parents have helped educate other families.

Living with T1D has made Jenessa more responsible and mature. She has strengthened her math skills and learned to read nutrition labels. She has also gained confidence by sharing her story with her class and her Girl Guides group, which has helped build her public speaking skills. Jenessa loves meeting others living with T1D and feels excited when she sees other people wearing medical devices in public.

Jenessa loves singing, dancing, and acting. She is a huge Taylor Swift fan and recently performed a solo in front of 80 people. She is also preparing for a role in a musical at a local theatre.

Jenessa’s message to anyone newly diagnosed is reassuring. The first year is the hardest, but over time it becomes part of your routine and feels less overwhelming. She is proud of how far her family has come, including returning to travel and realizing that diabetes does not stop them from living fully.



Jenessa is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness and to show other kids that diabetes can be managed, even when it feels like too much at the start. She is also proud to support D-Camps, a place that has made her feel confident, understood, and excited for the future.

#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma