Londyn

Diagnosed at age 4, Londyn started her diabetic journey early in life. She had just begun preschool, when her parents had noticed some weight loss but, had attributed it to a growth spurt. However, once she started drinking water bottle after water bottle they grew concerned, as it was not normal behavior for a 4 year old. After Googling the symptoms they became concerned. They reached out to their pediatrician who ordered some blood work. That same evening they received a call that they needed to take Londyn to the hospital immediately and prepare to be there for a while, as the bloodwork confirmed Londyn had diabetes.

In the hospital, Londyn shocked the nurses with her bravery as they stuck her with needle after needle, yet she stayed strong and refused to cry. After a few days of these needles Londyn had one breakdown as she did not understand, why the needles would not stop. Her parents held her close and did their best to explain what was happening, even though they were learning everything themselves as well and were distraught at what was happening to their child. All of their lives had changed due to this disease.

In the beginning, Londyn had felt alone with this diagnosis. She did not know any other children like her. Her mother reached out to their community through Facebook to find other families and managed to find a local group of T1D parents with young children. Getting together at a local park Londyn got to meet other children who were like her and also had to check their blood sugar. These children had devices that Londyn had never seen and they showed her how they worked. They played and had fun while the parents shared diagnosis stories and information. One of the families there had also had a young daughter that was recently diagnosed. The girls became friends and it helped both of them not feel alone in their T1D journey.

It was due to the welcoming that Londyn and her family received from the T1D community that helped instill a desire to want to give back. Over the years, Londyn attended multiple meetings with the local Congressman regarding Federal funding for Diabetes research. Londyn and her family have helped mentor various newly diagnosed children and their parents. Her and her family organized an event that raised over $41,000 for Camp Conrad, the local Summer camp for children with T1D.

Londyn has never let her diagnosis get in the way of how she wants to live her life. She has also never used it as an excuse for not doing something. She is now a Freshman in high school and has maintained the status of Honor Roll student since elementary school. Her current class schedule is made up of Honors and AP classes. She is a proud member of the Marching Band’s Color Guard. She also joined the school’s HOSA club as she aspires to have a career in the medical field.