I grew up in a small town in eastern Colorado, Cheyenne Wells. During my youth, the population was less than 1000 people, but we were blessed to have a local hospital and clinic. In December of my 1st grade year, my Mom took me to the doctor multiple times for unusual behavior. I was losing weight, falling asleep in class, and started wetting the bed. I was diagnosed with a bladder infection. One evening my father couldn’t wake me. He called the hospital and they told him they would call a flight for life to get me to Children’s Hospital in Denver, but Dad said he was going to drive me and rumor has it, he called the sheriff for an escort and drove as fast as he could. By the time I reached the hospital, I was almost comatose and my blood sugar was above 1200. I received excellent care and my parents were put in touch with the Barbara Davis Center. I was home in time for Christmas. I asked my mother years later why the doctors in Cheyenne Wells were so wrong with my diagnosis. She said it was likely because I was the first juvenile to be diagnosed with T1D at that clinic. Unfortunately, in my coming years in elementary school, two more joined the T1D club.
My regular appointments at the Barbara Davis Center caused the trajectory of my diabetes to be something I controlled vs. it controlling me. At the time of my diagnosis, it was quite common for diabetics to be advised not to do things, such as competing in sports, holding a job, or having children. I was never told that at BDC. I had a full life in school and college. After marrying the love of my life, Dave, I was blessed to give birth to two daughters, Allison who is currently 17, and Abigail who is now 15. Both have been involved in numerous studies at BDC and so far, neither have developed any antibodies. Ally and Abby are the best things to ever happen to me and I am so grateful to be their Mom. I’m also so grateful my medical team supported my decision to have them. After that, my medical team helped me compete in 13 triathlons, ski hundreds of days, and set off on wild adventures with my friends. Nothing was ever off limits.
I have been a community banker for 23 years and I am currently the COO for The Eastern Colorado Bank, a position I entered in 2007. I have always been a driven person. Looking back, I think a big reason for that drive is proving to myself and the world that having diabetes does not limit my ability to lead teams, set strategic direction or advocate for an industry I love. I am currently active on various industry boards including the CO State Banking Board and the Federal Reserve Community Depository Advisory Council. People are often surprised to learn that I have T1D and honestly, I do not know why, but believe the stigma still exists that we are somehow unable to do certain things. It has been my pleasure to prove them wrong.
My family has been supporting JDRF since my diagnosis. My bank has sponsored walks and involves our staff in fundraising. At the event, many of my coworkers commented on how shocked they are to see how many people are affected by T1D. It has opened their eyes to the need to find a cure. My biggest interest in JDRF is to find a way to prevent Ally or Abby from ever receiving a diagnosis of T1D. While medical advances have made my life very full, I wouldn’t wish the constant vigilance that T1D requires on anyone. JDRF represents the hope that someday, when my daughters have children, they will not have to worry about their children developing T1D at all. JDRF has been working to find a cure during the 40 years I’ve had it and I know they will not stop until one is found.