In February of 2026, I almost died. I was hospitalized for four days with DKA (Diabetic Keto Acidosis) and diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This means that my Pancreas has completely failed and no longer produces insulin. I am not like most Type 1s because I was diagnosed very late; most people are diagnosed very young and grow up learning how to maintain blood sugar and what foods to stay away from.
Ever since February, my life has completely flipped upside down. I can no longer grab a Coke whenever I want to. I can no longer eat without having to do constant math and check what my numbers are and whether or not something is going to dangerously affect me. Because I am an adult, I have to completely rework my life while also having a part-time job, an internship, and being a full-time student, as well as living alone at school.
Because of all of these things, I want to raise money so that I can get a Diabetic Alert Dog. This is an ADA-certified service animal that will accompany me in everything that I do. Not only will I have a companion while I am at school, but I will also have an extra set of eyes (and paws) when it comes to dangerous high and low blood sugars. They can alert me so that I will not go into DKA again, fall into a coma, or have seizures due to low blood sugar.
After losing my mom in 2022, I no longer have two parents to financially and emotionally support me. Having a full-time companion as well as someone to always watch over me in case of an emergency would be life-changing. Every dollar donated will help me reach that goal. Every Penny counts!
