Dear type 1, we are not alone
Dear type 1,
It’s hard to imagine that there was a point in my life where I didn’t know who you were. As a result of your unexpected arrival, I now know about you as a disease, and the community you affect more than ever. Because I’m a part of it.
When I was 26 years old – overseas, away from home and my family – you snuck up on me gradually. It wasn’t until I booked a flight back to Calgary after losing almost 70 pounds that I was officially told I would be stuck with you forever.
Today I sit here, 40 years old, writing to you as someone who was once upset – even angry – at how you changed my life, but now I have strong motivation to not let you slow me down.
I am constantly empowered by seeing other children with T1D being so strong, and I cannot imagine being a parent to one of these strong kids…this is why a cure is so important – no child or family should have to go through this.
I came across JDRF years ago while checking in on my Tim Horton’s stores in Calgary. The sign across the street reading JDRF called me over, prompting me to learn more about the acronym…only to learn that the door below led to an organization that changed my life – the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
There, I was greeted by a staff member who put me in touch with someone who used a flash glucose monitor – a piece of diabetes technology I didn’t know existed. It was the first time I was put in touch with people who shared the same experiences I did – suffering similar highs and lows.
That’s when I knew I wanted to do anything I could to help the T1D community through JDRF.
Since then, I have donated food for JDRF’s Walk and Ride events through my company – incorporating healthy ‘build your own sandwich’ stations for attendees – talked to ambassadors who needed support and acted as a helping hand wherever I could be one. Having the opportunity to talk with others who have had the same diagnosis I’ve had, gives me hope – we’re not alone.
I’m so happy to be involved in an organization that connects people to resources and people on the other end of the line.
Any small way I can help, whether through support or donations ¬to enable great people to find a cure adds a lot of value to my life.
T1D is not easy, but I’m reminded of how sharp, brave and smart I am because of you.
This disease needs to be cured…but in the meantime I know that dealing with this disease makes all of us stronger than anyone will ever know. When JDRF finds a cure, as a group, we will be unstoppable.
Thank you for that.
Sincerely,
Aaron MacCallum
Living with T1D since the age of 26