A Six Year Old Superhero

Written by Mattie Peck

nI would like to introduce you to Ani Bloom. She is an awesome human being because she is six, was diagnosed with diabetes in 2012, has a rambunctious attitude, and never lets diabetes hold her back. She can also talk to you about her pump and CGM and tell you the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. There are few six year olds as cool as this one.nnWhen I met with Ani’s mom Jessica, I learned that a lot of Ani’s positive attitude comes from her loving and supportive family and friends. Even her older sister Lily has learned to count carbs and use Ani’s pump. Jessica noted how hard this is for Lily because she has to “give up part of her childhood for a disease that’s not hers.” But the whole experience of diabetes has brought the sisters closer together.nnSince her diagnosis, Ani has been involved in research studies at the Barbara Davis Center. She has done the TEDDY study (learn more about the TEDDY Study) for years and also participated in psychological and sleep studies. Ani’s mom Jessica lights up when talking about research at the Barbara Davis Center. She’s so excited that Ani will be a part of diabetes advancements and she knows these studies will make life easier for people with diabetes and their families in the future. One day, children will not have to go through this disease because of the research being done today.nnThe Bloom family got lucky a few years ago when they met Dede Cannon and Sue Fernandez. These two have been heavily involved in children’s charities due to Sue’s job at CST Brands. They opened their hearts to Ani and Lily and became their babysitters (and as all T1D parents know, babysitting a child with diabetes is NOT an easy or relaxing task). Dede fell in love with Ani’s spunky personality so when it was time for CST Brands to find a charity to receive funds for the Corner Store Country Run, Ani and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation came to mind. The Barbara Davis Center doctors were so caring from the moment Ani was diagnosed so it just made sense. The Run was an inspiring and energetic morning for hundreds of participants and raised an astonishing $5,000 for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. The Fernandez and Bloom families are so happy that these funds will go towards educating people about type 1 diabetes to sift through the misinformation that is often displayed to the public.nnThis little girl has certainly found a way to stay strong and make a positive impact on the diabetes community. She knows life with diabetes is not “normal,” but she has found a brilliant way to answer some of the questions from her classmates. When her pump light turns on, she simply says, “I’m like a superhero. I’m Ironman.”