One Berry reader’s brave 4-year-old faces Diabetes
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Ever wonder what it’s like in the life of a 4-year-old with diabetes? Ever wonder what what the ups and downs could be? Let me share with you the inside scoop of my daughter Kassidy’s journey with Type 1 Diabetes.
Before October 2015 we were just your typical, everyday family of four.
And this is our daughter Kassidy, a happy, “healthy” 3-year-old… So we thought.
Unbeknownst to us, Kassidy’s own immune system decided to attack the insulin producing cells in her pancreas, called beta cells. This left Kassidy more and more thirsty and using the restroom in the middle of the night, which was very unlike her. Collectively, her babysitter and I thought something was wrong.
On October 30th, 2015 when Kassidy’s babysitter dropped her off at my work (I work at our local hospital) I decided to do a finger prick. With a blood sugar reading well over 500, Kassidy was sent to the emergency room and was soon after diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Little did we know, we would be transferred to Seattle Children’s Hospital, spending the next 3 days getting a crash course in pediatric endocrinology.
As you can imagine, the beginning of this journey was rough for all of us, from the blood sugar checks (which she is doing on her own now) to trying to find a new normal for our family.
We don’t know what we would do without the unwavering support of Kassidy’s Aunt Jen who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 11 years ago at the age of 19. (Yes, she and I are identical twins! 😊��)
Also, Kassidy’s 7-year-old brother has been an absolute rockstar through all of this, although he isn’t quite sure why she’s gotten so many cool toys. (Lots of books and Diabetes bears!)
Never did we think Type 1 diabetes would affect our family like it has. The constant worry and sleepless nights are rough, but as a family, we are stronger than ever.
Our girl is an inspiration to all those around her. With her pump and continuous glucose monitor she is not ashamed. She is a happy, thriving little girl, living with type 1 Diabetes. She is our hero!
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