Hannah Hast

I was diagnosed with diabetes at age two. I don’t remember much from the experience other than a few snippets from the hospital: the good smelling soap and receiving my childhood teddy bear from my brother. Growing up my parents never limited me despite the lack of technology we have now. I started going to Camp Carefree in NH at age nine along with starting on my first insulin pump with the help of my parents and beloved school nurse.

My independence continuously grew from there and my community expanded. College tours came around and my CDE encouraged me to try her Alma mater. I ended up going there to become a Physical Therapist. My diabetes community continued to grow at Simmons College with starting a chapter of the College Diabetes Network and advocacy for T1D. My mom even ran the London Marathon for JDRF UK during that time!

Currently I am an acute care PT, I worked through the pandemic and watched healthcare change in front of my eyes. Throughout my parents continued to support me. I was able to complete my 14th year at diabetes camp in a variety of roles (including camp photographer) in effort to re-build camp post-pandemic. I tend to call diabetes my superpower. While the highs and lows are exhausting, I’ve connected with people — patients, families, staff in ways I never could without it while creating lifelong bonds I cherish.