On September 29th, 2015, my world was turned upside down with my diagnosis of type one diabetes. Type one diabetes is when the beta cells in your pancreas stop producing insulin. There are a variety of different insulin therapies that someone can use to help manage their blood sugar, but there is currently no cure.

In August of 2016, I began to really embrace and accept this disease. I became a volunteer with the local Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and attended a family camp for type one diabetics and their family. Thanks to JDRF, this camp brought 400 families together who were affected by T1D and allowed them to connect and bond while engaging in fun activities, participating in a diabetic vendor fair, attending informational sessions and benefitting from $400,00 worth of donated insulin and supplies.

In the fall of 2016, I participated in my first JDRF One Walk. The walk raised over $280,000 to work on continuing diabetic technology and research for a cure. I was blown away by how dedicated these group of warriors and their families were into working together to find a cure. I have met the strongest and kindest families, adults, parents and children who deal with this disease or have a loved one who does, every day.

In the spring of 2017, I had the pleasure of interning for JDRF and helping them with their gala. During this time, I became a JDRF youth ambassador for the organization and helped with their annual gala.

Because of my involvement in JDRF, I was able to learn more about technologies that I could benefit from. I learned about the various pumps that were available and the use of a continuous blood glucose monitor. I am currently on an omnipod and a dexcom. An omnipod is a wireless pump that allows me to give myself insulin through a technological personal diabetes manager. A dexcom is a glucose monitor that through an inserted sensor in my skin monitors my blood sugars every 5 minutes and relays the information through an app on my phone. These devices have helped to make my life as a diabetic so much easier and normalizing.

This disease is a 24/7 job that consists of blood, sweat, tears, highs and lows. I am hopeful that due to JDRF, a cure will be found. In 2012, the artificial pancreas was supposed to be released in the next 10-15 years. Here we are, only 5 years out, and the artificial pancreas is set to be released within the next year. This is a direct result of JDRF and their dedication towards finding a cure.

Jordan Gershon

Development Intern

NWA Food Bank