When you live with type 1 diabetes (T1D), there are no days off. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, people living with T1D and their loved ones must manage the constant burden of this disease to stay healthy.
From June 7-11, 2023, Breakthrough T1D supporters across the country are taking part in activities and challenges with no days off to honor everyone living with T1D.
Below, read stories from some of our 365: No Days Off participants. Maybe they’ll inspire you to start your own No Days Off fundraiser!
No Days Off for My Daughter
Scott Desatnick, parent of a child who lives with T1D
Massachusetts
Valentine’s Day will never again be the same for my family. It is my daughter’s diaversary, the anniversary of the day my daughter was rushed to the hospital for what we thought might be COVID but turned out to be type 1 diabetes (T1D). Her diagnosis story is like so many others—she was admitted to the hospital in severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) followed by four days in the pediatric intensive care unit and a crash course in carb counting, diabetes management, and insulin therapy.
We didn’t recognize the signs that were there for at least a couple months: excessive thirst, extreme hunger, increased urination, exhaustion. We didn’t notice her significant weight loss either, another sign that can indicate a T1D diagnosis. Fortunately, our diagnosis story has a happy ending: we left the hospital with our daughter alive.
Until there is a cure, she will live with type 1 diabetes, monitoring her blood glucose, injecting herself with insulin multiple times a day (currently using the Omnipod 5 automated insulin delivery system) and being an advocate so other families might recognize the signs and avoid a traumatic diagnosis. There are no days off.
I will run 5 miles a day for 5 straight days in June because there are truly no days off for T1D.
No Days Off for Me
Kelli Limi, person living with T1D
California
On July 12, 2023, I will be celebrating 40 years (14,600 days) living with T1D.
Diabetes is a part of my life but not all of it. Through Breakthrough T1D-driven research I have benefited from the advancements made over the last 40 years living with T1D. When I was first diagnosed, my parents were testing my urine. Soon after the first at home blood machine became available.
Fast forward to 2023: I rarely do a finger stick and get blood sugar readings on my phone and watch, all while my pump is creating a closed loop system. With the support of Breakthrough T1D, I have been fortunate to travel the US, Italy, and Mexico. I truly believe if you control the diabetes, it will not control you.
For 365 No Days Off, I will be hitting my Pilates gym every day and adding in a 2-mile walk.
No Days Off for My Sister
Sarah Weimer, sister of Holly, who lives with T1D
Colorado
My younger sister Holly has been kicking T1D’s butt for 23 years now. Living with T1D means she has to control her blood sugar level all day, every day with blood tests and insulin injections. 365 days per year. No days off.
When Holly was in 4th grade, she became extremely skinny. After many doctor’s visits, my mom did not accept their assurance that she was healthy. She took Holly to Children’s Hospital on Memorial Day, 2000, where they were able to confirm Holly had T1D. At such a young age, she had to learn how to prick her finger, test her blood sugar levels, count the carbs in every bite she ate throughout the day, measure out the appropriate amount of insulin, and get 3-4 shots per day. EVERY DAY.
Words cannot describe the strength, courage, dedication, and determination I see in my sister Every. Single. Day. For over 20 years now, she has found a way to not only manage T1D, but always stay healthy, active, and strong both physically and mentally.
With medical advances from research supported by organizations like Breakthrough T1D, her daily routine has become more manageable. Finger pricks needed every few hours can now be done from a small monitoring device worn on her arm or leg. An insulin pump attached to her hip can deliver insulin when she needs it, replacing multiple insulin injections each day.
Breakthrough T1D is an important part of our lives because of the research it funds. We are closer than ever in finding a cure for T1D. And while T1D research has come a long way, there is still much farther to go.
For 365 No Days Off, I will be running 3.65 miles a day and my sister will be doing 36.5 minutes of exercise each day.
Learn more about how you can participate in Breakthrough T1D’s 365: No Days Off for T1D.
