Of Course I Can!

Graham Daugherty • May 31, 2019

By Brittany Volden

A young boy wearing a type one der ful t-shirt is standing in front of a door.

My son, Gavin Volden, has a larger than life personality. He can make anyone smile and turn a bad day into a great day. Gavin loves riding his dirt bike, playing baseball, horseback riding, hiking, and swimming.

Gavin is a wonderful kid, a type-one-der-ful kid to be exact! Gavin has been living with type 1 diabetes for 3.5 years. When I look at Gavin, I do not see someone with an autoimmune disease. I see a strong boy who does not let his disease control him.

On a typical day you can see Gavin with the wind in his hair as he zooms past on his dirt bike. He has no fear and enjoys scaring me when he attempts to jump his dirt bike. Gavin also loves to build things with dad. I often see him walking around the garage with a hammer, nails, and some scrap pieces of wood. If Gavin had a choice between playing video games or playing outside, he would always choose to be outside.

Our family loves to hike and camp, and those may be his most favorite things of all because when we camp, he gets to enjoy his favorite foods: hot dogs and s’mores. Gavin continues to live a normal life for a 7-year-old boy. When asked if he can play sports and do things other kids do, he said, “Of course I can! I just have to check my blood sugar and make sure I am not too low to play.”


Gavin wears an Omnipod insulin pump and a Dexcom G5 to manage his diabetes. I asked Gavin if he likes his insulin pump and Dexcom and he said, “I like wearing a Dexcom because I can go and play outside, and my mom and dad can still see my blood sugar. I really like my Omnipod because my mom paints them and puts cool stickers on them, so it makes my insulin pump look really cool!”

A young boy is sitting on a rock holding a box of juice.
Gavin standing by the pool showing his insulin pump on his arm

Gavin gets to be more of a normal kid thanks to these devices. His insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor are just a part of him now. Sometimes kids will stare at his Omnipod and ask him what it is, and he very calmly replies, “Oh that’s just my insulin pump.” It is just a part of him now. We all have a pancreas, but he just wears his on the outside of his body.

Gavin has been raising awareness for type 1 diabetes as an advocate with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation for 2 years. Gavin loves being an advocate with the Children’s Diabetes Foundation because he gets to help educate people about type 1 diabetes. As an advocate, Gavin has the opportunity to make friends with kids who also have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes does not define Gavin. He continues to thrive and defy the odds against him because he is stronger than this disease.

A woman is doing a split with the words if i can just inspire one person

Because of Diabetes, I Am Who I Am Today: A Personal Journey

By Sasha Amiscaray • April 15, 2026
TL;DR After 15 years of living with type 1 diabetes, Sasha shares her journey from diagnosis and denial to acceptance, advocacy, and a career in healthcare. Through challenges like fear of injections, managing diabetes as an athlete, and navigating school and college, she discovered strength, community, and purpose. Her story shows that while diabetes is difficult, it can also shape identity, open doors, and lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
A black and white photo of a person with an insulin pump on their stomach

Type 1 Diabetes and Mental Health

By Dr. Holly O'Donnell • April 3, 2026
Type 1 diabetes affects mental health in youth and families. Learn about risks like depression, anxiety, and distress, plus support options and when to seek help.
A young boy in a white sweater is standing next to a cabinet.

Misdiagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes

By R. Paul Wadwa, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at the BDC • April 2, 2026
Type 1 diabetes is often misdiagnosed as flu, UTI, or viral illness. Learn key symptoms, DKA warning signs, and when to ask your doctor for testing to avoid delays.
Author and type 1 diabetic Madeline in a research lab

From Childhood to College: One Patient’s Story Living With Type 1 Diabetes

By Madeline VanOrman • March 20, 2026
Follow one patient’s journey with type 1 diabetes from childhood diagnosis to college life, sharing challenges, independence, and finding support along the way.
A cartoon illustration of a white monster with horns waving.

Your Identity when Type 1 Diabetes is in the Mix

By Cheryl Lebsock • March 18, 2026
A parent shares how naming type 1 diabetes “Frank” and reframing it helped protect their child’s identity, improve mental health, and strengthen family support.
Three young type 1 girls with CGMs on their arms.

Donate Your Tax Refund to CDF

By CDF Staff • March 18, 2026
Donate your Colorado state tax refund to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Learn how to use form DR 0104CH to support T1D patients and families.
Young girl with her blood glucose monitor and insulin pump

The 3 Stages of Type 1 Diabetes: Why Early Screening and Detection Matter

By Hali Broncucia, Research Scientist at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes • March 16, 2026
Learn the three stages of type 1 diabetes and why early screening matters, including how detection can reduce DKA risk and delay onset with new therapies.
A group of people are posing for a picture in a living room.

From Generosity to Legacy: Honoring My Father’s Impact on Type 1 Diabetes this Father’s Day

By Stacy Robinson • June 14, 2024
With Father’s Day just around the corner, I am thinking about my dad even more than I usually do. He was a special man who lived a remarkable, impactful life right up until the day he passed away at the age of 98, a little over a year and a half ago. He was a decorated World War II veteran, a bookie in Vegas during the Rat Pack era who married the love of his life between rounds of a prize fight, and who later went on to become a successful entrepreneur. Most importantly though, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
A man and a woman are posing for a picture in a parking lot.

Cheers to The World’s Greatest T1Dad!

By Lindsay Klatt • June 14, 2024
Author: Lindsay Klatt Being the dad of two daughters already has its highs and lows; having one of them (who admittedly was already a little feisty) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes makes him a saint. My wonderful dad navigated these challenges with such love and grace. As we approach Father’s Day and as I recently celebrated my 27th Diaversary, I reflect on the things he deserves to be thanked for. There are too many to count and no way to properly express gratitude for the additional struggles type 1 fathers face, but here’s a toast to a few of the things etched on my heart: Cheers to my dad who, when I was diagnosed, had the best balance of acknowledging the sadness of the event and being encouraging for the future. It made me feel seen to see him upset, and to see him determined. He has always maintained that balance I am so grateful for.