Our February Hero

Graham Daugherty • February 21, 2019

By Jennifer Schulz, Noelle’s Mom

On Christmas Day 2016, Noelle was four years old and struggling with bouts of what her pediatrician thought was the “flu.” She showed all the signs of your typical bug and yet it would come and go. I was nervous because she wasn’t staying well, but I tried not to be that helicopter mom that worried over every little ailment my child came down with; After all, her doctor reinforced “she is okay, there is nothing wrong.” So, I tried to let it go. However, after a few more days of her being lethargic, overly hungry and thirsty, I made a call back to the pediatrician. I asked if they would run some blood tests and check for anything and everything. My beautiful, sweet energetic girl was not herself and I needed a better answer to her bouts of sickness.

After fasting for 12 hours we had her blood drawn. Then we waited patiently in another room for the results. While we were waiting, Noelle started to fall asleep on us. Her eyes started rolling backwards and her lips turned blue. I FREAKED OUT! I ran into the hallway screaming for help. The nurse came and tried to help my baby girl, but she had no idea what to fix. She didn’t know what was wrong! I was shocked that the medical staff had no idea what was happening. So, I began to do everything I could. Thankfully, after we began to force-feed her juice and crackers, she started to come to. 

A little girl is laying on the floor in front of a christmas tree.

The doctor immediately revealed that her blood sugar was over 700 and she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He instructed us to go immediately to Children’s Hospital because Noelle needed to be admitted for treatment. My heart sank and my grief came in full force like a crashing wave. I knew her life was about to change forever and she would have a very hard time living a care free childhood again. I knew I would now have to be that helicopter mom that I hoped she would not grow up to hate. The thought of the future made me bawl my eyes out the entire way to the hospital.

The following day we were released from the hospital to go to the Barbara Davis Center in Aurora, CO. They educated us on what life looked like with a child with type 1 diabetes and how to care for her properly. We spent the next two days in intense learning about how to help manage this horrible disease. The most shocking part of all the education is how tedious, yet vital, the different aspects of care there is to keep my daughter alive. It was overwhelming!

Today, we acknowledge two years of diagnosis. Each day is different from the other. We have days where we struggle to manage her diabetes and we have days were it’s a complete “unicorn” day and we are in target.

My daughter is an amazing young girl, her happy outlook on life gets me through each and every day; and her strength helps me to help her fight and overcome those nasty blood sugar days.

I am proud to be a parent of my type 1 child and we hope for a cure for this life changing 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.