We’re so excited to welcome Savannah to our team. She has been living with Type 1 since 2016, but her younger sister was diagnosed over 12 years ago. We met Savannah at Camp Aspire two summers ago when she was an intern for the American Diabetes Association and are excited for the new things she‘s working on with us.
What’s your diagnosis story?
I was diagnosed 2 months before my 18th birthday, on the 4th of July, right before I was supposed to leave for college. I was on vacation with my family in Virginia, and had all the classic symptoms. After I turned a 8 hour car ride into a 13 hour car ride from all the bathroom trips… I humored my dad by checking my blood sugar, and of course it was high. Mind you, I had been experiencing symptoms for almost 6 months and refused to accept the fact that this was reality.
What devices do you use?
I am currently using Omnipod, after trying it at Camp Aspire, after using Medtronic 670. I do not currently use a CGM, but I used to use the Guardian Connect.
What are you studying?
I am currently a double major in Business and Social Work at Roberts Wesleyan College. I’ve finally made it to my senior year, after a 5 year journey and being here gives me the ability to use both my business skills and my social work skills.
What do you want to do after graduation?
I would love to be a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. I really love working with people with diabetes, and I think when you have someone on your team who understands what you’re going through makes a huge difference in the long run. I also a big advocating for #Insulin4All and am very active on the Diabetic Online Community, so I think I will always somehow be involved with the community in some way.
What else should we know about you?
I have one little sister, who also has Type 1, and she’s been a big motivator in my life. When I was in 6th grade, I even tried to organize a fundraiser at my school in honor of her. I’ve always wanted to help her, and I think it’s made us closer now that I can relate to her on a different level then before I was diagnosed. Honestly it feels like I’ve always had diabetes so its hard to remember my life without it. I love to go to the gym and travel. I play the ukulele and swam Division II in college. My favorite drink at Starbucks is a Venti black tea with almond milk and 7 pumps of sugar-free vanilla.
I am so excited to be working with Reframe Diabetes and look forward to learning so much more!