Emily King

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1991 when I was eight years old in Nashville, Tennessee, where I was born and raised. It was of course a life-changing diagnosis for myself and my family. Just like everyone else in the T1D world, I have experienced many highs and lows (literally and figuratively) with my own diabetes. In spite of all the struggles this very challenging condition has presented to me, I also believe my diabetes has opened up a number of opportunities and experiences, and I have formed many close relationships with other people connected through the diabetes community. Three decades after I was diagnosed, my son Griffin was diagnosed with T1D at the age of one year old! We are lucky enough to live in Southern California where we were able to establish care with Dr. Lynda Fisher, Griffin’s endocrinologist. Dr. Fisher has been an incredible resource and source of support, and she has been by our side since Day 3 of Griffin’s diagnosis. Dr. Fisher, who is a Board Member of Children with Diabetes, surprised me last week when we went to see her for Griffin’s appointment! She had just returned from the CWD Friends for Life conference in Orlando, and she brought back the 25-Year CWD Journey Award, which she presented to me in clinic! I was honored to receive this award, and it was especially meaningful that Dr. Fisher presented it to me.