My name is Mattison Leva (Matti) and I am 11 years old. I live in Colorado Springs, CO. Shortly after I turned 11 and just a couple of weeks into the fifth grade, I was diagnosed with T1D. After my family and I noticed some of the symptoms at home (thirst, fatigue, hunger, weight loss) my pediatrician took our concerns seriously, and shortly thereafter I was admitted to Children’s Hospital with DKA. Upon returning home, I have taken a hands-on approach to my new life with T1D. I actively participate in the day-to-day management of my diabetes and with the help of my family have been able to learn about T1D so I can explain to my classmates at school and friends at dance what T1D is, what my medical devices are, how they work, etc. 

Prior to my diagnosis, I was a loving big sister, straight A student, competitive dancer and small business owner. Post diagnosis, I am still all of the above but now do those things proudly rocking an Omnipod and Dexcom. 

I have been a student at Revolution Dance Academy for 4 years and dance at my studio several days a week. My favorite classes are Acro and Hip Hop. This year will be my third season dancing competitively with RDA and I am looking forward to what this season has in store. One of my biggest fears upon being diagnosed with T1D was that I wouldn’t be able to dance anymore. The staff at Children’s Hospital of Colorado and at the Barbara Davis Center taught me that I would still be able to dance. They have also helped my family and I learn what works best for managing my levels on days when I am dancing a lot! Those days can look very different from days when I do not go to dance. 

When I am not dancing, I enjoy playing with my little sister, Maci. I also like hanging out with my friends, playing with my dog (S’mores), collecting/listening to vinyl records, watching movies, watching The Babysitter’s Club and volunteering with Julie Bee Honey Caramel’s (I have gotten to help inside a commercial kitchen and also learn about teamwork, responsibility, showing up on time and other tasks that will help me when I get a job someday). Last but not least, I enjoy almost anything related to arts and crafts. In January of 2021, I turned my hobby of making jewelry into my own small business, Made by Matti. I design and make hypoallergenic earrings and necklaces that I then started selling at local craft fairs and the Fountain Community Metcalf Park Market. I was even able to start selling my jewelry in local shops such as Matchbox Candle Co., FestiviTea and my dance studio! 

Since my diagnosis, my visions for Made by Matti have changed. Starting out, I wanted a way to be creative while learning how to run a small business like my mom. Now, I hope that Made by Matti will be a way for me to advocate for others with T1D and to help spread awareness for the disease. My new collection, It’s Cool To Be Kind, was inspired by my T1D journey. I hope that when people wear the jewelry in this collection that it will remind them to not only be kind to others but also to be kind to themselves. I also hope that Made by Matti will show other kids who have T1D that they can still do anything they set their minds to, including running a business. 

Someday, I hope to start making medical alert jewelry for people who have T1D and also hope to someday host a craft fair of my own to benefit diabetes research efforts. I hope my story inspires you to be brave, to be silly, to be kind and to not give up on your dreams. T1D is tough but we are tougher!