Dear Carter: You’re a superhero, and so are we (The one when I need ALL to comment and support a great boy)

 

This is Carter. And this is what a superhero looks like.
This is Carter. And this is what a superhero looks like.

DOC and others: A great young man named Carter is having a hard time and doubting he can rule the world with diabetes on board. Please, please, comment below and tell him how you are, how you have and how he will! Let’s help this wonderful boy.

Dear Carter:

This note is to inform you that you are officially a super hero. I know you might not know this, but I suspect you might have suspected this and not wanted to share it. Because we’re letting the big secret out here:

People with diabetes are superhero, rock-star, over-the-top-awesomesause, can-do, wicked-wicked cool people. And you know what? While they might not say it out loud, the world knows that too.

I know you’ve not been having the easiest time with your life with diabetes. When you were diagnosed at age eight, nearly four years ago, you figured: I’ll see what this is all about. And it hasn’t stopped you. From fishing, playing basketball, swimming, even playing your trombone! But lately, I’m told, some other kids have put some thoughts into your head: like that you cannot do things as well because you have diabetes. Or that you won’t grow to be as powerful and amazing as they want to grow to be because of diabetes.

But here’s the thing: they’re just saying that because they’re intimidated. You have super powers. And they know it. This won’t be the last time in your life a person (or some people) who are not as great as you are try to bring you down to their level. So embrace it, and learn from it.

Last summer I was at a program called Friends for Life in Orlando. A really cool guy named Jay Hewitt was speaking. He has Type 1 and he does Ironman events. He does not just do them: he wins them. And here is what he said to the many, many people with diabetes in the room. (Forgive me for paraphrasing, Carter. But at least it makes you look up the word “paraphrasing”):

 Jay said “You’re smarter and stronger and better equipped than all the other kids out there. They don’t know a carb from a carburetor. You do. You’re smart and determined and capable, more so than all the others. And they know it.”

Carter, I love that you are brave enough to take over when your uncle the pilot lets you fly his plane with him. I love that you want to do so much with your life. Because you will. I’m going to share some thoughts from my daughter Lauren below. Lauren was diagnosed when she was 6, and now she’s almost 22. Lauren has been: a student body president, a tennis star and champion (and even a working tennis pro!), a swim team member, a soccer and field hockey player (okay she was not great at those but no one can do everything!!), a driver, a college person, a friend and a leader. She has spoken before Congress and has organized huge parties that everyone had a blast at. She’s a super hero too because never has diabetes stopped her. I hope you’ll read what she has to say and then, read the comments below this blog from other super heroes like you.

Carter, I don’t have diabetes. I’m not as strong and smart and powerful and amazing as you. But I get to know people like you. And for that, I’m thankful. Keep on powering on, my friend. The DOC has your back.

 

From Lauren:

 

I can do anything you can do.

 Having had diabetes for almost sixteen years, I’ve seen and heard it all when it comes to people telling me what I “can’t do” with diabetes. One of the most annoying misconceptions with type one diabetes is that people believe it can ruin your life. Ever since the day I was diagnosed with diabetes, my parents have told me there is nothing that you can’t do. And that’s just how I have lived my life; doing anything I want to do.

There are many, many different types of what people like to tell me what I can’t do. I was eating, or should I correctly say, stuffing a cookie down my face at school the other day when one of my friends said to me “you’re a diabetic, you can’t eat cookies, you’re going to kill yourself.” Or when people tell me people with diabetes can’t drink alcohol. My favorite response to that one is “watch me.”

But there is one thing that someone said to me in all sixteen years of me having diabetes, that has stood out more than anything else, and that was when someone, who happened to be my good friend, told me: “well you’re probably going to die before me because you have diabetes anyway.”

As I said before, I’ve heard it all.

I let all of these comments slide, because these people clearly have no idea what they are talking about, and obviously they don’t know me well enough or understand my situation well enough to know that I have never let diabetes stop me from ever doing or trying or mastering or winning (or eating) anything I want.

I have heard a lot about kids getting bullied for having diabetes, or being told that they won’t be able to accomplish their life dreams because of diabetes, and I just want to get across how incredibly untrue this is. My life is exactly how I have always wished it to be, I’m at school in D.C., I have an awesome internship, I go out and have fun. Diabetes has never, ever stopped me from doing anything I’ve dreamed of doing.

As far as the people who love to tell me what I can’t do, I just want to tell them to keep it coming, because they’re only making me more determined to prove them wrong. And Carter: we’ll prove them wrong together.

Sincerely,

Lauren, diagnosed at 6, now 21, rocking life

 

 

So Carter, that’s her story. Read below in the comments for more and more. And each and every one of us looks forward to following yours. Superhero: Go for it in life!

 

Here's to you, Carter. We celebrate you! (and ... what a cake!)
Here’s to you, Carter. We celebrate you! (and … what a cake!)

38 thoughts on “Dear Carter: You’re a superhero, and so are we (The one when I need ALL to comment and support a great boy)

  1. Hi Carter – I’ve had diabetes since i was 2. I’m now an adult with a daughter who has diabetes, she is 12. I know first hand it’s tough growing up with T1D. People will say things because they don’t have any knowledge. I’m guessing they’d have a hard time with poking themselves all day every day, right? You do that EVERY SINGLE DAY. You are tough.

    I can also let you know that I was All-Conference back in high school in softball. I went to college and got a degree. I got married. I run 5k races with my family. I have also ridden 104 miles in Death Valley, CA when it was 110 degrees in one day on my BICYCLE. Diabetes didn’t hold me back. It’s not going to hold you back unless you let it.

    I know those people around you are being mean. Hang in there. Next week they will be picking on someone who has hair color they don’t like. Mean people are just that: mean. They only way they feel good is by teasing or bullying others. Don’t let them bring you down, Carter.

    It’s hard. Do your best to ignore them. Middle school & high school are tough. Get a group of friends and ignore the others. Be the best person you can be and know that you are more tough than anyone who feels the need to pick on others. You’ve got holes in your finger tips to prove it.

  2. Hey Carter, my daughter has had Diabetes since age 8 and she is now 13. It is HARD. You just want to fit in and be normal. The truth is you are SPECIAL. Why go for normal when you can be above normal? Love yourself first in life and accept who you are. Don’t ever be ashamed or embarrassed as it is not your fault. You are smart, caring, and loving and no one knows you or how you should take care of yourself. You will hear a lot of off the wall comments in life and what matters is deep down you know the TRUTH. Keep your head up and keep smiling. You are a handsome young man! 🙂

  3. Hey Carter! My name is Jess and I’m 32. I was 26 before my diagnosis came and it was hard for me, so I can’t imagine how hard it would be to be a kid and have to worry about something that can be so scary when all you want to do is run and play and be a “normal” kid. But Carter, you won’t ever be a “normal” kid and you know what, that’s ok. Who wants to be normal anyway?! Who remembers the “normal” people in their lives. Nope, they’ll remember Carter who had to work that much harder to do everyday things and how he just took it in stride and kept on moving. You ARE amazing little man. Own your diabetes and be proud of who you are! The DOC is proud of you, we support you and we are here for YOU whenever you need us! xo

  4. Hello Carter!

    I wanted you to know that my daughter Arden is a competitive softball player. She’s an All-Star, she pitches and she’s the faster girl that you’ll ever see run the bases. She does all of that with a DexCom sensor on her hip and an OmniPod on her stomach. I have never witnessed diabetes stop her from doing any of the things that she dreams of. She writes, plays sports, has sleep overs, wrestles with her brother and get great grades all with diabetes. You can too, I know it!

    You are not alone!
    Arden’s Dad

  5. Hi Carter! My daughter, Kim, was diagnosed when she was 3 years old – she is 10 now (almost 11) and she has not let diabetes stop her at all. She is a competitive gymnast, spelling bee champion, water skiier, curler (that funny sport where you push rocks around on ice), birthday cake eater, trick-or-treater, goof ball, and many many more things.
    You can do anything you want! Really! Anything! Don’t let anyone tell you anything otherwise.
    And you have a great big family in the DOC that is right there in the fight with you. Always. We got your back! When you need us – just look around – we are here for you! <3
    Take care!
    Robin

  6. Hey carter, my two girls have type 1 they are 16 and 13 and so we know what you are going through! You are one strong guy! You can do anything you want! My girls play sports and enjoy whatever they want to do. Yeah it sucks they have to take time to do their sugars but they know its just something they hve to do in order to be healthy! And their friends they have are very supportive and even defend them against those people who try to be bullies-yes I mean bullies. It’s ok for someone to ask questions of what you are doing takin your sugar but its not ok to make fun of you. You should surround yourself with people who care for you and believe me they are out there. You rock dude!

  7. Carter,

    I’m writing on behalf of my daughter who is at school right now, rocking 7th grade. She was diagnosed 12/20/2010 a few months before her 11th birthday.

    Her are some of things she’s done since her diagnosis:

    Science fair–has placed or gotten Honorable Mention at her school for 3 years in a row. Has made it to the regional science fair 2 years in a row and won an Honorable Mention there this year.

    Competitive volleyball player–2 Fall and 2 Spring Seasons. Was named team MVP last fall and All-League Player.

    Straight A’s every quarter

    Elected Student Council Treasurer as a 7th grader

    Been on a 3 night camping trip with her class…and without me!

    Slept over at friends’ houses many times.

    Been to the Bahamas, and DisneyWorld

    Taught herself guitar.

    Sang a solo for the school talent show in 6th grade.

    Played guitar and sang with a group in school talent show in 7th grade.

    Gone to Theatre camp each summer.

    Mentors a younger student with Type 1 at her school

    Has been Team Captain/head cheerleader/fundraiser for our JDRF walk team each year and is a Golden Sneaker award winner.

    She doesn’t let T1 stop her from doing anything! And she doesn’t let stupid or ignorant comments stop her either. She uses humor when someone acts jealous because she is drinking a diet Coke during class (yep, highs sure are fun, aren’t they?) or gets to have candy (and lows feel even better, don’t they?). But she never uses her diabetes as an excuse–well, except for yesterday when she stayed home from school because the night before at volleyball practice one of her BFFs accidentally hit her in the back of the head with a wickedly strong serve and it really hurt! We were afraid she had a concussion! But Kate didn’t want her friend to be upset, so we blamed it on a night of wonky blood sugar (which she also had, so it wasn’t really a lie). Kate would tell you that when people are jerks, say “Whatever..” That’s the same advice she gave her brother when she was a kindergartener…way before T1. You can achieve your dreams!.

  8. Carter,

    I’m writing on behalf of my daughter who is at school right now, rocking 7th grade. She was diagnosed 12/20/2010 a few months before her 11th birthday.

    Her are some of things she’s done since her diagnosis:

    Science fair–has placed or gotten Honorable Mention at her school for 3 years in a row. Has made it to the regional science fair 2 years in a row and won an Honorable Mention there this year.

    Competitive volleyball player–2 Fall and 2 Spring Seasons. Was named team MVP last fall and All-League Player.

    Straight A’s every quarter

    Elected Student Council Treasurer as a 7th grader

    Been on a 3 night camping trip with her class…and without me!

    Slept over at friends’ houses many times.

    Been to the Bahamas, and DisneyWorld

    Taught herself guitar.

    Sang a solo for the school talent show in 6th grade.

    Played guitar and sang with a group in school talent show in 7th grade.

    Gone to Theatre camp each summer.

    Mentors a younger student with Type 1 at her school

    Has been Team Captain/head cheerleader/fundraiser for our JDRF walk team each year and is a Golden Sneaker award winner.

    She doesn’t let T1 stop her from doing anything! And she doesn’t let stupid or ignorant comments stop her either. She uses humor when someone acts jealous because she is drinking a diet Coke during class (yep, highs sure are fun, aren’t they?) or gets to have candy (and lows feel even better, don’t they?). But she never uses her diabetes as an excuse–well, except for yesterday when she stayed home from school because the night before at volleyball practice one of her BFFs accidentally hit her in the back of the head with a wickedly strong serve and it really hurt! We were afraid she had a concussion! But Kate didn’t want her friend to be upset, so we blamed it on a night of wonky blood sugar (which she also had, so it wasn’t really a lie). Kate would tell you that when people are jerks, say “Whatever..” That’s the same advice she gave her brother when she was a kindergartener…way before T1. You can achieve your dreams!

  9. Hi Carter!

    Moira and Lauren are so incredibly right. You can do everything your classmates, teammates, friends, cousins, etc can do AND MORE! Never ever let diabetes prevent you from doing anything – ever! The line that stands out most to me from Lauren’s words above is this: “My life is exactly how I have always wished it to be.” I feel the same way. I’m sure that before you were diagnosed years ago, you had all sorts of dreams and hopes – maybe you knew what you wanted to be when you grew up, or what places in the world you want to visit. Guess what? You can still do all of those things, live all of those dreams, see all of those places. There is very little that we Type 1 diabetics can NOT do because of our chronic condition. All of the tools and technology available to us today give us an amazing amount of flexibility, and as a result we are more enabled than ever before to live a long, full, amazing life. I have had diabetes for over 22 years, and in that time have been: a gymnast, soccer player, field hockey player, photographer, college student, hiker; a team captain at the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes; a sister, daughter, aunt, friend, girlfriend; a successful businesswoman. All while dealing with high bloodsugars, low bloodsugars, prescription refills, pump infusion set problems – you name it. And while dealing with countless people who are extremely uneducated about Type 1 Diabetes who tried to tell me what I could and couldn’t, and should and shouldn’t, be doing. This is all par for the course for a Type 1 Diabetic, but all just “background” stuff. Do not let this disease, and people who know nothing about it, keep you from doing anything you want to do.

    I haven’t had the privilege of meeting you (maybe some day I will at a diabetes event!) but from what Moira tells me you are one amazing guy. Always remember that in a strange way, diabetes is part of what makes you amazing. Like the title of this blog says, get out there and live your life to the fullest “Despite Diabetes.” Like Lauren and I have done, take those stupid comments people make and use them as fuel – to not only do what they tell you you can’t, but to blow them out of the water! Educate them about your disease… and also remember that actions speak louder than words. Show them that you can check your blood sugar one moment and then catch an enormous fish or win a swim meet the next. Show them that you may need to take a 5 minute break from a basketball game to drink some juice, but you’ll be right back in there hitting that 3-point shot when your blood sugar gets high enough. Show them they’re wrong about you, and about Type 1 diabetes.

  10. Hi Carter! My 13yr old son, Tyler, was diagnosed last year. He has quickly realized that his diabetes has made him a better person. It has made him stronger, healthier and smarter than other kids. That is the same for you! Kids (and adults 🙁 ) sometimes say really dumb things because they just don’t understand. I bet you don’t do that! Why? Because you are so much smarter and kinder than they are. You are amazing!

  11. Hey, Carter!
    My husband was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 8, just like you! He’s 37 now, and he gets to do whatever he wants, despite diabetes! His favorite activity (after playing with his four kids) is cycling. He rides his bike all the time! Each September, he rides over 100 miles in the Bike MS ride. It took him a little while to figure out how to manage his diabetes with that much activity, but after not too long he figured out how to set his pump and what kind of snacks to take with him.
    Our 6 year old son was diagnosed last summer, and now we are teaching him the same things. He just started playing soccer, and we are learning as we go how to manage that. I’m so thankful he has his dad to look to to see that he can live a very active, fun life with diabetes. He likes to hear stories of other kids with diabetes, too, so I will tell him about you. He loved to fish, so I know he will love your picture with the fish. I bet he wishes he had a cake like yours, too!
    Best wishes. We’re rooting for you!
    Love, The Short Family 🙂

  12. Hey Carter – The kids that are giving you a hard time have NO IDEA what they’re talking about! You can do anything in life that you set your mind to. Diabetes won’t stop you from pursuing your dreams – it can’t stop you from anything! My son has type 1, too. He was diagnosed just after he turned nine, he’s now 17. He snowboards, skis, and skateboards – he does what he wants and rarely gives his diabetes a second thought (I actually wish he’d give it some more thought, but that’s another story!). Another family member also has type 1 – she was diagnosed at eight, just like you! She has traveled the world, even gone bungee-jumping in Africa! She hasn’t let D stand in her way, either…in fact, it seems like it has made her stronger! She’s staring right at it saying, “I dare you to stop me!”.
    There are some pretty awesome people out there with diabetes…Olympic swimmers (I’ve met Gary Hall…he’s amazing…I’d like to have these knuckleheads that are giving you a hard time spend about 30 seconds with him!) , race car drivers, athletes, rock stars, actors, even a Supreme Court Judge! So, like I said…awesome people, JUST LIKE YOU!!!

  13. Dear Carter-
    I know Miss Moira and if she tells you you are a ROCK STAR and wicked wicked cool- them for sure you are. Miss Moira met my son Cameron when he was ten and so convinced him that he was a rock star, that he did his first solo shot right in front of her in our kitchen. Cameron was diagnosed when he was two and will be thirteen in June…
    I wanted to share with you the script he wrote for his CC video

    “Hi, my name is Cameron, I am 12 years old, I am from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and I have had type one diabetes since age 2. I am approaching my 10th year of living with diabetes. Since I was diagnosed, I have been very active with the JDRF. I participated in my first JDRF Promise to Remember Me Campaign and Walk to Cure Diabetes at the age of 3, and I have been a Jr. Ambassador at the Gala since I was 8. I started a fundraiser and diabetes awareness project at my school.
    Diabetes is a disease that requires me to check my blood sugar 10 times and take 5 insulin shots daily, but this doesn’t slow me down. I participate in many sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and track. I play the violin in my school orchestra and am a Co-Vice President and honor roll student at my middle school. I ran my first ½ marathon with my dad in February. But no matter what I’m doing, I love to be with my friends and family, and my dog Hokie”

    so you see, you can do ANYTHING with diabetes! and YOU ARE A SUPERHERO

    michelle

  14. Carter: Having diabetes is REALLY hard, but because you’ve found you can live with Type 1 even though its so hard, that shows you can do almost anything – and do it well. YOU are a SUPERHERO. Both my kids have Type 1. They both played competitive tennis in high school. My sons team won the state championships while he was on the Team. They both play Ultimate Frisbee in College – my sons Team went to Nationals while he was on the Team. My daughter went to Kenya by herself and spent 6 weeks in a remote area of Kenya and rocked her diabetes just fine while she was there. I’m sure you’ll be much more amazing than they are. Diabetes is hard. You are awesome! Don’t listen to the haters.
    Maureen

  15. I know your a superhero! Do you want to know why? Because only superhero’s can do what we do every single day AND do everything else in life at the same time. I got diabetes before my second birthday. Now, I’m almost 30!!! I know that diabetics are the nicest, strongest, smartest people out there! We understand that things are always changing. We know that we can do anything we want to by trying really hard. We also know that when people without diabetes do amazing things, we do the SAME things WITH diabetes….and that my friend, makes us Superhero’s.

  16. Dear, Carter!

    When I was 20 years old, I told my doctor I was going to start training to compete in powerlifting (weight lifting) events! He rolled his eyes at me and ignored my goals and dreams.

    I never went back to that doctor, because I know diabetes will never stop me, and I want to surround myself with people who know that, too!

    6 months after that doctor’s appointment, I set 7 records in amateur powerlifting! Had I listened to that doctor, and let him discourage me from believing I could accomplish anything I set my mind to, I would have missed on that experience and the 8 other records I set in the years following.

    You can achieve anything you set your mind to — diabetes will never stop you if you don’t let it!

    Ginger.

  17. Hey Carter! I have 2 girls with Type 1, ages 5 and 7. Half the time they forget they have diabetes, they plow ahead and let mom and dad figure out how to manage their diabetes. There is a long list of people who have done amazing this despite having Type 1: examples, Winning Miss America, being elected to the hockey hall of fame, winning gold metals in the olympics, being a professional actor/comedian, a successful 11 year old drag car driver, NFL offensive lineman who played in 2 Super Bowls and many more. Then there are the millions that go unseen but still do amazing things like being an automechanic, editor, gym teacher, soon to be CDE, cool bloggers, college student, cop, firefighter, artist, HR person, lawyer, podcaster, DJ, farmer, pastor, doctor/researcher and so many more. You can do it.

  18. Hey Carter,
    I’m Sean Busby- a pro snowboarder with type 1 diabetes… I’ve taken my diabetes on snowboarding trips to SIX of the seven continents (including Antarctica!). Always remember that diabetes doesn’t ever have to limit what you do… In fact, you should come to a Riding On Insulin camp next season and snowboard with me and tons of other awesome young adults and adults and other kids like you– all living with type 1 diabetes. You rock–don’t forget it!

    — Sean Busby

  19. Hi Carter,

    My little boy Eric was diagnosed when he was just 1 year old, and he’s 6 now. He builds Lego spaceships, rides horses, swims, runs, jumps, plays, and gets put on time out for misbehaving just like any other kid. Diabetes doesn’t stop him. Nothing stops him. And it never will, because when people tell him (or me) that he “can’t do [whatever]” because of diabetes, he simply looks at them and says, “you’re crazy in your noodle.” Or whatever Eric-ism he’s in the mood to spit out at that moment.

    As you can see from everything the people here have said, the folks who say you can’t do [whatever], they don’t know squat. They don’t know diabetes, and they don’t know YOU. Take the word “can’t” out of your vocabulary, because it just isn’t true.

  20. Dear Carter,
    My name is Courtney and I have three amazing kids with diabetes. One thing I have learned from helping them and watching them grow is that kids with diabetes are unbelievably amazing, incredibly tough, over the top smart, absolutely unstoppable people. Sometimes mean people are intimidated and scared of emotionally, physically, spiritually tough people. Their reaction is to bully those people in an attempt to bring them down. Don’t let the bullies in your life get you down. Instead, use their behavior to grow even stronger and reach even higher! You have an amazing group of people in your corner cheering you on. Reach for the stars! I promise you will make it far beyond your dreams. Hugs from Me, from Lydia (17, diagnosed at age 9), Priscilla (16, diagnosed at age 10), and Trevor (12, diagnosed at age 5).

  21. Hey Carter,

    People are often afraid of what’s different or unknown to them, and many of them choose to criticize or make fun of what’s different as a way of making themselves feel ok. It’s important to always remember that everyone is different in their own ways, and that’s what makes us all so special. I was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 19 after my first year of college, so I can never know what it is like to grow up with as a kid, but I know that it can be scary, challenging, frustrating, and can often interfere with our plans. But I also know that it can never stop us unless we let it. You’re stronger than you know, and in overcoming your Type 1, by not letting it stop you from doing what you want to do, you show the world just how strong you are. Since being diagnosed with Type 1 I’ve gotten my college degree in Biology-Premed, I’ve gotten a graduate degree in Biomedical sciences, and I’m now on my way to earning a PhD in public health. Outside of school I’ve hiked up 5 14,000 ft. mountains in Colorado, gone on numerous camping and hiking trips around the West, biked in 10 100-mile rides, raced cyclocross and criterium cycling events, learned how to ski and skied all the way up to double black diamond runs on mountains in Colorado. Whatever it is you want to do with your life, is exactly what you WILL do with your life as long as you stay focused, manage your Type 1, and never let the haters get in your way! Keep on being awesome!

  22. Carter,

    My name is George and I have type 1 diabetes like you. I have had it for 22 years and you know what, I’m a Ninjabetic.

    And you are too.

    Anyone who can check their blood many times a day, take shots or use an insulin pump, count carbs, know how much insulin to take, pay attention to their body to know if their blood sugar is low or high, AND know what to do if it is must be a super human, super hero, awesomesauce, NINJA!

    And that is you my friend. Ninjabetic all the way!!!!

    So with great power comes lots of responsibilities but you’ve got it covered cause you are a total ninja.

    Diabetes can be a downer but being a ninja is pretty cool! If you ever feel like diabetes is getting you down you let me know or any other Ninjabetics around and we will help you get back up, remind you of how awesome you are, and help you through it.

    Good luck Ninjabetic! Stay strong!!!.

  23. Hi Carter!
    I was diagnosed a couple of days before my 6th birthday (what a lousy present huh?). I am now 22 years old and graduated college a year ago (with zero major diabetes problems during those 4 years)! My parents always told me that diabetes couldn’t stop me, and I’ve never stopped believing that even for a second! I LOVE to travel and have been all over the country… I even went abroad and lived in Florence, Italy for 6 months- WITHOUT my parents! I just moved to a city far away from my home and I have to take a flight whenever I want to see my family. Even though they miss me, they are so proud that diabetes hasn’t stopped me from living my dream and traveling wherever I want. Just remember Carter, diabetes is a PART of who we are, but it’s not WHO we are. Go show the world how AWESOME you are!

  24. Carter,
    I have a 3 year old little guy with T1D. He needs someone like you to look up to. You might not know it but you are a role model to all T1D’s out there. If my little guy can grow up watching how strong and brave and fearless YOU are, it helps so many others. I understand that this disease is terrible and hard and unfair but please know that there are so many people that pray for you and all T1D’s every single day. You will never know all of these people that are leaving these comments for you and the odds that we will ever meet are slim, but that doesn’t matter. We are all family here…fighting the same fight. Hang tough because that is what you need to do…for yourself, your family, and for all of the little guys and girls that look up to you as their superhero!!!

  25. Hey 🙂 my son is Brandon… Has had diabetes since he was 12 months old. He is now 16 and everyday he is a hero. Brandon does not let his diabetes atop him from anything. He is planning on being a graphics design artist so he can create video games.
    He has dealt with bullying almost his entire life. People are mean when they want to feel superior. You are stronger, smarter and more good looking than those guys so they make you feel bad because you have diabetes. Truth be known you are special and that is why you have diabetes. Not everyone is strong enough to handle having diabetes… You are! You are not letting it stop you and bullies get intimidated by seeing that strength and determination. Our Endo once said “No where else in life will you be surrounded by people of the same age except at school. Once school is finished you will be surrounded by people of different ages and the maturity level is 100 times better. Schools are the hardest thing you will ever have to do because there are so many people of the same age trying to figure out where they belong. It does get better!”

  26. Carter, Not everyone gets what it means to have diabetes. I was diagonosed at 5yo. I’m 42 now (don’t tell anyone). So I’ve been living with this for 38 years (just in case you need some help with math). It’s never stopped me. I went through school, college, I went to prom, dances, out with friends, dates. I went to the Bahamas for my HS graduation, just me & my friends. I had some great friends. And good friends don’t make fun, or care about diabetes.They know that you are awesome for what you do everyday of your life.
    They watch out for you and are there for you. If you know people who aren’t doing that, then they’re not good friends. Growing up i didn’t know anyone else with diabetes. Then about a year ago, I was online and found this world out there of support from people just like me.
    I work FT, I have 2 beutiful girls. I drive, go to PTO meetings, soccer practice (all the mom stuff). And 3 years ago my youngest daughter was diagnosed at the age of 21 mos. SHe’s 5 now. Getting ready to start Kindergarten.
    I will never let her think diabets can stop her either. She has taken ballet & soccer. Loves to swim and just started to ride her bike with no training wheels. She is a superhero like you. I’m not going to lie to you, some days are hard. I know. I’ve had hard days. But we’re strong. we’re always there for each other, all of us. Carter, if you ever need someone to talk to, I bet you could reach out to anyone here. We kind of stick together. It’s one of the things that make us awesome. And that includes you, just remember that. Okay?

  27. Hi Carter!

    My son is living proof you can do whatever your dream is. From a very young age he wanted to be a police officer. He was diagnosed with T1 when he was 21 (he is only 23 now). After he was diagnosed people said he could not be an officer-there would be no way he could carry a gun, drive a squad car and do the many other things that go along with being an officer. Well Carter, he is a police officer and at the time he graduated from the police academy he was the youngest cadet.
    He is my superhero!
    Your dreams in your heart will carry you far! Keep them close to you. You are a superhero to so many already!

  28. Hey Carter, my son Jeff is 13 and was diagnosed when he was 8. He plays hockey on 2 teams, has played baseball, lacrosse, golf, and he just signed up for the track team! He loves snowboarding too! I hope all the great people who have responded so far are helping you to see that you don’t have any limits because of diabetes. I think middle school can be tough for all kids diabetes or not, because kids often act kind of awful at this age. There are two kinds of kids in middle school, those who like you, and those who are wrong. Having diabetes makes you stronger, wiser, and more responsible than most of your friends. Hang in there, you are awesome and you can do anything:)

  29. Hello, Carter! My son who is now 30 (I know, VERY old) has had diabetes since he was 10. It’s true that sometimes it just seems so hard, and people don’t understand (some of them, no matter how much you or your parents explain, just aren’t smart enough to understand, I think). But, believe it or not, kids and adults with Type 1 Diabetes are doing every kind of thing you can imagine. They swim, and they play all kinds of sports, at the highest levels. They run for office. They are in law enforcement. They ski, backpack and ride horses. They write books, play music, and are fabulous artists.

    Sure, probably no one person does ALL of these things… but no one person without diabetes does, either. And, the best thing is, because you know that Life can be tough at times, you will grow up to be a kind, compassionate, and understanding human being… and that’s about as good as it gets!

    p.s. I wish I could have had a piece of your cake! It looks delicious!

  30. Hey Carter! My daughter, Megan, was diagnosed with type 1 in August of 2010 when she was 11. She is 14 now – and diabetes has never stopped her! It may make you stumble here and there, but just makes your next steps that much stronger. Type 1 kiddos are amazing, resilient, superhero, unstoppable rockstars and don’t ever doubt it! Megan plays softball, does gymnastics, goes out with friends without me ALL the time, snowboards, boogie boards, goes on the loopy rollercoasters at the amusement parks, and so much more! You can do and be whatever you want to be, and I can’t wait to hear what you choose 🙂

    Megan’s mom

  31. Hey Carter – I’m Kelly and I’ve had diabetes for 35 years – NO KIDDING.
    Here’s the deal dude – There’s nothing we can’t do… except insulin 😉

  32. Carter – my son is 27 and was diagnosed one month before he started kindergarten (he was 5 1/2 yrs old at the time). After high school, he went away to college for 4 years, then worked in New York City for three years before going back to college full-time to get his Master’s degree. He currently works at Disney World, giving silly boat rides at Jungle Cruise, training new “skippers” and also working at Haunted Mansion and Hall of Presidents! You can do anything you set your mind to. Type 1 diabetes kids are my heroes. Never let it get in your way. Best of luck in all you do.

  33. Carter, My 12-year-old daughter is cooler, more interesting, smarter, and more capable than any other non T1D kid I’ve ever known. Seriously. Teachers and other adults are always telling me they wish they had 100 Maddies in their classrooms. I bet your teachers think so too. Hugs from Texas.

  34. Hey Carter!

    My son Ben was diagnosed 3 years ago, just before his 12th birthday. He’ll turn 15 soon and I think diabetes made him a superhero! Before he was diagnosed, he was short, skinny, and not so great at sports. After being diagnosed and after he realized that he was healthy and finally feeling good again. He grew like 7 inches (he’s 6’1″ now and I swear he can bench press a bus!). He made the football team in high school and not only got to play, but scored a touchdown!!! He’s also first in his Freshman class and working on his Eagle Scout. I knew he had it in him all along. All it took to unleash the superhero inside him was for someone to tell him he “couldn’t”. YOU ARE A SUPERHERO TOO!!!! Work hard and don’t let anyone get you down. You have a boat-load of people supporting you, so I know you have it in you too…just like my Ben!!

  35. Hi Carter,
    I’m convinced that one of the side-effects of diabetes is that it makes you smarter. You learn how to a ton of stuff with numbers, but also develop a sense of intuition which is unparalleled. Oh, and your priorities and values are reinforced, and your sense of compassion and empathy is strengthened.

    There’s really a lot of good that can come out of diabetes, you only need to look for it.

    Don’t get me wrong, if I had a choice of whether or not to accept the diabetes that was given to me over three decades ago, I would have turned it down, and if I could give it back today, I would.

    But I recognize how strong it can make you. If I were in a position to hire someone for a job, and there were two candidates who were – in all other aspects – equivalent, but one had diabetes and the other did not, I’d probably select the person with diabetes (after reviewing employment laws to make sure I could do so). I would trust that this person would be more reliable, more analytical, and (when necessary) more assertive.

    I guess I’m using a lot of big words here for someone your age. It can be hard to find the right words to describe everything that comes with diabetes, but I’ve had lots of practice in trying to come up with just the right ones. I hope you understand this message and that encourages you and motivates you. I wouldn’t be writing this message of encouragement if I weren’t living it myself.

    Scott
    Diagnosed at age 7, now age 39
    Living happily and successfully.

  36. Carter,

    You should get Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s new book, “My Beloved World.” She shows exactly what a person with diabetes can do!

    Hang in there!

    Pilar
    D-Mom

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