Stephanie Hall

Being diagnosed at age nine with type 1 diabetes, my carefree life quickly shifted into a regimented and confusing existence. My mom struggled every day trying to figure out my insulin, meals, school snack schedules, urine testing, and on and on. She was the best mom I could have asked for. I remember hearing my health care professionals early in my diabetes career tell her I would live well into my twenties???? My mom wasn’t having it. I had struggles as a teen going off track, fighting doing finger sticks, or trying the newest treatments (like multiple shots, are you kidding??)! My mom never gave up on me, pushing me to be in good control, providing me every opportunity to get more diabetes education. Here I am 50 years later, celebrating a major milestone with this disease that never sleeps, is always there, and one that I have come to terms with and have been successful in controlling. I have been blessed with 3 fantastic endocrinologists in my lifetime and owe so much to them, my mom, and my support network that has encouraged me to live well and enjoy life! I would love to make it to 75 years and I will continue to try and do that. I wish that to all my diabetic friends across the world.