Sandy Struss

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Sandy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at the age of 17, during her senior year of high school, and life was never the same again. At the time, she could not have known how deeply diabetes would shape her future. Over the years, it has influenced her life, her career, and even led her to friendships that feel like family.

One of Sandy’s biggest daily challenges is the constant balancing act between food, insulin, and exercise. Even when she puts in every effort toward her health, the work of managing diabetes remains real and demanding. Avoiding low blood sugar, staying in range, and making adjustments day after day takes ongoing attention, energy, and resilience.

Sandy has lived with T1D for 37 years, and she speaks about it with honesty and strength. She believes that replacing the function of an organ every day for decades is nothing short of heroic. What Sandy knows for sure about herself is that she is a survivor, and she refuses to give up on herself.

Sandy’s story is also shaped by another powerful chapter. She is a cancer survivor, and her personal mission is to live by example and inspire others to live inspired lives. Sandy believes life is short, and she is intentional about making memories, living with purpose, and having fun along the way.

Sandy is modeling in the Pump Couture Fashion Show to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and help change the conversation about living with diabetes. Her message to others is compassionate and empowering. Diabetes management is an imperfect science, so give yourself grace and take it one day at a time. Perfection does not exist. Do your best, and keep going.

#PumpCoutureFashionShow #ChangeTheConversation #StopTheStigma