The Unbreakable Dana Davis

Graham Daugherty • September 28, 2015

September 28, 2015nAs seen in Reign Magazine https://reignmag.com/the-unbreakable-dana-davis/n

It’s a warm summer evening, and a pretty brunette is just settling in to her home in Denver. The new girl in town, it’s a role with which she’s unfamiliar. Back in Los Angeles, everyone knows her name. And her sister’s name. And her late father’s name. And no doubt, her mother’s name. Yet here in the Mile High City, furniture is being delivered, boxes are being unpacked and as it so often does with a move, a less than quiet chaos surrounds her. Laptop in front of her, phone in her ear, she’s directing a cast of thousands and she’s doing it all as she walks with a cane, limping ever so slightly. True to form, this woman doesn’t miss a step – literally or figuratively. It’s all just another day in her life. A life that has never resembled the one most of us know. Not in the slightest. Not for one minute. Meet Dana Davis. -Betsy Marr



READ THE ENTIRE FEATURE STORY IN THE FALL 2015 ISSUE OF REIGN MAGAZINE BY CLICKING HERE…


See our gallery of the Carousel Ball’s history below. Dana’s own diagnosis with type 1 diabetes at the age of seven was the catalyst for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and its legendary Carousel Ball. Both were founded by and made possible by Dana’s mother, the irrepressible Barbara Davis.


A picture of a mountain with a white circle in the middle.
A picture of a mountain with a white circle in the middle.
A picture of a mountain with a white circle in the middle.
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.