Melissa Weber

I was diagnosed one week after my eighth birthday but have never let diabetes stop me. I owe a huge, huge part of this to my parents who allowed me to be independent and administer my shots/finger pricks/pump sets myself, while supporting me and cheering me on through it all.

I was an athlete in middle and high school – participating in volleyball and basketball. I went away to college in PA, where I was able to live the normal college lifestyle, while maintaining my numbers. After college I moved to Florida for an internship, and after that Dominican Republic for a new job. Upon my return, I was able to work and do some extensive travel – which was a huge passion of mine. I hike, I travel, I workout, I’ve never been hospitalized or had DKA, I do everything that any “regular” person would do – never letter diabetes stop me.

As a child, I was very involved in JDRF. I was a youth ambassador, meaning that I represented the local Long Island chapter, and spoke about my story to local businesses, politicians, and other parents and supporters. My parents were both on the board.

My best accomplishment to date has been getting pregnant and surviving pregnancy as a type 1. Throughout my pregnancy I maintained an A1C of 4.7, had a FORTY SEVEN hour labor after a long list of induction methods, and gave birth to a beautiful baby who is now a wild, crazy, loving (almost) two year old!

I normally don’t like to brag or talk about myself but reflecting on 25 years of diabetes is pretty miraculous. I’m so thankful for the science and improvements put out over the past 25 years that have allowed me live such a normal life.