The Day Our Lives Changed
My daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 13 months old on August 6, 2002. We were totally shocked. Grace was in critical condition when we arrived at Columbus Pediatrics After Hours, but we didn’t know. Earlier in the day, she started vomiting (never been sick before) and I noticed that I could see her ribs when giving her a bath and that her breathing had changed.

On the way to the hospital, Grace started to lose consciousness. At the time, we lived 45 minutes away and it was a long ride.  With her change in breathing, I was thinking “asthma.”  Today, I realize she was in DKA and she was very close to death.

After the doctor saw her, she came out and told me her BG. It meant nothing to me and I can’t remember what she said.  She was immediately taken to Ped ICU, and we were in the hospital for a week. The usual tell-tale signs of T1D – thirst and increased urination – was lost on us. I was still nursing and I thought she had a few leaky diapers.

Why We Go to TypeOneNation Every Year
It sounds a bit corny, but we love our T1 family and we love to know as much as we can about technology and having the best possible care for Grace.  Education is so important in the world of T1D.  At the beginning of this journey, we just wanted to know all of the latest advancements (we still do), but now we crave information about the psychological side of managing diabetes. Grace loves being with other T1’s and really enjoys the program TypeOneNation offers for kids and teens…..it’s FUN.

This is Why You Should Go
We love the camaraderie of being with other T1 families, and learning all we can about how to better manage T1D.  Until there is a cure, we want the best management tools available to make Grace’s life as “normal” as possible…..both physically and mentally.  Parents and caretakers have an opportunity to learn about research, technology, and the psychological side of having diabetes.  Children and teens have an opportunity to also learn more, and have fun in the process.  Diabetes affects the whole family and this conference helps everyone.

TypeOneNation is on Saturday, February 21st at Emory Conference Center from 9:00am – 2:30pm. Registration is open until Thursday, February 19th. To register, click here.

Vanessa, her husband Joe, and their daughter Grace, now 13, live in Columbus, Georgia. Vanessa serves as one of the Columbus Support Group’s dynamic leaders.