Matthew

From his mom, Sarah:

My son Matthew was diagnosed with T1D when he was in the fourth grade. He is now a sophomore at a university and absolutely thriving. He lives more than nine hours away from me. If had told me in in the first couple of years of him being diagnosed, if I would be prepared to let him live that far away, I would’ve said no way. It is through many programs like Riding on Insulin, Brainy Camps, participating in clinical trials, having a great endo and meeting other supportive parents that we are succeeding.

Thinking back to the first year in which giving every insulin shot was a struggle, to 10 years later, he has come very far. The use of technology has been instrumental. Within six months of his diagnosis, Dexcom got the approval to do Bluetooth sharing. I felt like we were a bit in at the ground floor with Dexcom and it truly has absolutely saved his life on more than one occasion. He wears a t:slim pump and was fortunate to be able to participate in the clinical trial from which the Basal IQ was approved. I am very, very proud of Matthew as our motto has been to not allow T1D stop him from doing anything – we just have to plan ahead. Well, I’m sure at times he struggles internally, but he certainly portrays outward that T1D is just a part of him. Yes, it always seems to rear its head at the wrong time before exams or during team tryouts. When folks are around him, they really have no clue that he is quietly bolusing, making basal adjustments, or grabbing a snack to treat a low bg.

Matthew is also a good ambassador to others with T1D. Camp counselors at an overnight T1D camp really helped him overcome his personal struggle with hiding T1D from others when he was younger. Their help was a pivotable change for him to learn that he does not have to be ashamed of T1D and he does not have to hide it. He ended up serving as a counselor for a few years in high school and passed along that confidence to others that helped him.

I am very proud of how Matthew has leaned into having T1D. He is pursuing his goals and not letting T1D hold him back.
Thank you very much for having these coins to recognize the importance of these milestones of living and thriving with T1D.