Much like when I first received Kay’s Down syndrome diagnosis, I found comfort in community. I connected with other families who understood the fears and unknowns I was facing—families who welcomed me in and helped me see the beauty in a diagnosis I never expected. They showed me that while the path might look different, it can still be incredibly full and joyful.
When Kay was later diagnosed with Type One Diabetes, I sought that same sense of connection. I searched for community and friendship—and I’m so thankful I found both. Social media has been a powerful tool in that journey. It’s allowed me to meet other families walking similar roads. Some of those online groups have even blossomed into real friendships, creating smaller support circles within the larger Type One community.
That’s how I found Elle’s page. Elle has lived with Type One Diabetes for 25 years and started something called Type One Tuesdays—a weekly TikTok Live where she invites a guest to share their story and how Type One has impacted their life. She’s hosted a wide range of people: all-dads episodes, all-moms episodes, and even a guest who spoke about her pancreas transplant journey. It’s a space where everyone who’s experienced Type One—whether personally or through a loved one—can feel seen and understood.
Elle has become such a valuable voice in the Type One community. I love tuning into her lives to hear the different perspectives, and I always walk away feeling more connected, more validated, and more informed. The experiences shared are often so similar to my own—and there’s something powerful in knowing you’re not alone.
So, when Elle invited me to be a guest on an upcoming Type One Tuesdays, I was beyond honored. It was an incredible opportunity to share our story—how Kay has been a warrior since day one, how her Down syndrome diagnosis shaped our early days, and how her Type One diagnosis came about. I talked about how, if it hadn’t been for my family history with diabetes—or even our beloved family dog who had it—I might not have known to push for further testing when Kay wasn’t acting like herself. If we had gone home that day without answers, I don’t know what would’ve happened.
That’s why awareness is so crucial. The Type One community is working hard to ensure that simple blood sugar checks become routine during pediatric visits—not something you have to fight for or request. Type One Diabetes can happen to anyone, at any time. The more we share, advocate, and educate, the more lives we can impact.