Dream Tijerina

I grew up with my father being a diabetic. I was always scared for him, because I didn’t understand Type 1 Diabetes. But, in 2014, I would learn what it meant to be a diabetic. I was nine years old, about to start 4th grade, and then my life changed completely. I stayed in the ICU for a few days, I can barely remember my time at Nemours, but I remember the kindness I experienced. I had a hard time adjusting to life with diabetes. I was already an outcast for being different, but this set me even further apart from my peers. I had few friends that stuck around, and after middle school I meant people that loved me and accepted me for who I am. Diabetes included. I’ve finally started to accept that this is my life. I still struggle from time to time, but my diabetes has been under control for a few years now, and I’m grateful for everyone that has helped me get here. I would not be here if it wasn’t for my family and my close friends.