Anna Shelton

Ten years ago today was the scariest day of my life! In the third grade at eight years old my life changed completely. I will now have to fight a battle everyday! Everyday I would have to prick myself and give my self shots 8-10 times a day. Seven months after getting diagnosed, I got the pump which took away the shots but still had to prick my finger! Today I have the pump and Dexcom which has saved my life! Today I read a diabetes joke and laugh knowing most people know nothing about it more or less people making jokes about me and diabetes, my pump, etc. My goal in the life is to teach others more about diabetes and spread that you can do anything! I remember coming home the night of diagnosis and sitting on my couch in full tears knowing my life is not the same. I remember sitting in the hospital asking my dad for a fry and him saying no! I remember so many flashbacks and I wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of family and friends! I hope my story is an inspiration to so many more and know that you can do anything! I am now a D3 college athlete, majoring in psychology, and also fighting diabetes everyday. Endless to say thanks diabetes for teaching me that I’m so much stronger than I could ever think, thanks for all the tears and all the frustration, thanks for maturing me, and thanks for a great 10 years of ups and downs, but most of all thanks for all the relationships you have made for me through diabetes camp!