melissa scalzo

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Melissa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of four, a life changing moment that shaped much of her childhood and beyond. Growing up with diabetes meant learning responsibility early and adapting to a condition that requires constant attention and care.

One of Melissa’s biggest challenges is the mental and emotional load that comes with living with diabetes. From managing blood sugar levels to staying prepared for the unexpected, diabetes is always present, even when it is not visible to others. Over time, Melissa has learned how to balance these demands while continuing to live a full and active life.

Living with diabetes for more than two decades has shaped Melissa into a strong, resilient, and self-aware individual. It has influenced how she makes decisions, listens to her body, and advocates for her health in both medical and everyday settings.

A fun fact about Melissa is that most people do not know her middle name is Anne. Small details like this reflect her grounded and thoughtful nature, qualities that shine through in how she approaches life with diabetes.

Melissa feels confident being publicly visible as a person living with diabetes and believes that visibility helps challenge stigma and build understanding. She sees her participation in events like Pump Couture as a meaningful way to actively change how diabetes is talked about and understood.

Melissa is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness and to show that living with diabetes is not something to hide, but something that can be faced with confidence and strength.

#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma