It all started In 2000, at the age of 8. I had been throwing up and laying around for a few days and all I kept eating was popsicles. My aunt called my dad that morning and he came home from work and took me to the doctor in my hometown. They checked my sugar and it was in the 300s. The doctor told my parents that I was a Diabetic and they rushed me to St. Bernard's where I spent the next 2 weeks. I remember it like it was yesterday. Having to learn how to give shots, check my sugar, how to adapt to this new life. My child hood was hard growing up and it seemed like my life was ending. I remember crying many days and nights because I kept asking why did God do this to me. I played Softball, Basketball, Track, and I was a normal teenager. I got my license when I turned 16 and If you seen me you would have never guessed I was even a Type I Diabetic. I struggled for many years with my sugars all over the place and when I turned 19 I finally got my sugars under control. I do every thing any normal person would do except I check my sugar everyday 4+ times and I use an insulin pump. I am very grateful for my weight to be healthy and to be able to do the things that I do. I am a fulltime college student and I work fulltime and Diabetes is never going to get the best of me. My mom has helped me struggle with my lifestyle and I would have never have made it this far without her. She literally is my rock and I am so glad I have had her to stand beside me through this journey.

Heather Dildine
Pocahontas, AR