As a parent or family member of someone living with type 1 diabetes or if you, yourself, are living with the disease, often times you might be asked to share your story: the diagnosis, struggles, adjustments, school challenges or college years. As advocates, the diabetes community should remember the effect that we can have by sharing our stories with one another and those who have no idea about what life is like with T1D.

Spreading awareness brings understanding to those around us and can ultimately translate into a larger advocate system and mean more dollars raised for important research. You may not have a blog, or lead a support group, but there are many ways to share your story of living with T1D. Below are some ideas to get you started!

DFW Thrive Magazine, Dallas Child and North Texas Child all feature their own article of Mommy Diaries: A Day in the Life of…, in each issue. Share your story with readers who may not know about T1D by sending in your diary of a day. Learn more on their websites – Thrive, Dallas Child, North Texas Child.

JDRF wants to know Who’s Your #1. We want to hear about your #1 – the person or people you are most passionate to see cured – whether it’s yourself, a family member, friend, student, or other. Breakthrough T1D would really like to hear from you.  Share your story on the Breakthrough T1D website.

Share your story to fundraise! This year for the Walk to Cure Diabetes, reach a whole new level of donors by sharing your story through video, email or writing a letter to send my snail mail. Your story can inspire those who may have never met you to give for a cause they may know nothing about. Have each your friends and family members who have always donated pass on your story to 5 others. You’ll be amazed at the support you receive and you will have shared your story of what it’s like to live everyday with T1D.

Take some time this week to spread awareness, inspire others and share your story!

To learn more about the Breakthrough T1D Dallas chapter, visit our Breakthrough T1D Dallas website!