When I was diagnosed with you at 6 years old, I remember sitting in the doctor’s office asking my parents why they were crying. I had no idea how my life was about to change.

Since then, you have been part of every day of my life. You have required patience, resilience, planning, and strength in ways most people will never fully see. But with the support of my family and friends, and with the incredible technology available today, you have not consumed my life.

You have taken away my body’s ability to produce insulin, but you have not taken away my ability to live my life how I choose, find joy in the little things, love myself, and become the person I was always meant to be.

You have been one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced, but you have also shown me how strong I am. Through managing you, I have learned to keep going, even on the difficult days. You may always be part of my story, but you do not get to define it.