Why did you become a Guild Member?

My son, Jordon was diagnosed in April 2004 with type 1 diabetes – we first became introduced to the Guild through the Rockies game pre-party…my son was so excited because there were so many types of diet pop to choose from!! Usually there was only one type of pop to choose from.It was also good for him to see other kids checking their blood sugar and getting shots. Our diagnosis was a difficult time and we depended on the Barbara Davis Center for so much I was excited to find a community who understood what we were going through.

What is your connection to type 1 diabetes?

My father was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his 20’s – my childhood was spent living with the disease in the household. Because of the limited knowledge about type 1 in his early life, his later life was spent navigating complications including loss of vision, amputation of many of his toes, a feeding tube, dialysis and finally a kidney transplant. He passed away in 2000. Our son Jordon was named after him and was then diagnosed in 2004. Jordon is 18 and is thriving thanks to the “village” at the Barbara Davis Center.

What Guild initiative are you most passionate about?

Wow, so many of them! I love the community – the people and the idea that although I can’t personally cure this disease, I can work together with others to make a difference in the lives of those who live with this every day. I love the Helping Hand Program – type 1 diabetes is hard enough when you have the supplies to take care of your child, but having to choose between food on the table or diabetes care is just heartbreaking. Also as someone who has navigated the school system with a child who has type 1, the people on the education committee are my heroes!!

What impact has CDF made on you and your life?

Type 1 Diabetes is an isolating condition, it requires so much energy to just maintain a normal lifestyle and many people don’t understand what goes into caring for someone with Type 1. To be able to be part of a strong vibrant community that gives back on so many levels is empowering. My family is much stronger in the ability to care for my son because of the community.

Who or what inspires you?

I find strength in my faith first and foremost, and the knowledge that God can bring good from any situation. Second I am inspired every time I meet a child who is shouldering a chronic illness and is finding the strength to move forward. I have heard so many stories of people overcoming difficult circumstances and thriving within them.

The Guild is the volunteer membership group of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Members have the unique opportunity to be involved in program and event committees that impact diabetes awareness, research, and betterment of care. Consider becoming a Guild Member to make a difference in the T1D community!