Meet Michelle G., Parent Mentor at Akron Children's
Michelle's Story
My name is Michelle and my son Mason was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on July 21, 2009 at the age of 4. The first year after diagnosis was a blur. Learning how to keep your child alive by balancing food, insulin and exercise is a daunting task to say the least! I remember mourning the loss of the carefree lifestyle we had prior to diagnosis. I remember moments of cheerleader-like confidence, “I’ve got this!”, and I also remember moments of complete and utter frustration, “This worked yesterday?”
Four years later, those emotions can still be there at times but they are easier to handle. Maybe it is the years of experience or the education we have received. Maybe it is the support we have received online from the wonderful Diabetes Online Community (DOC). Whatever it is, the days living with diabetes are easier now. We have settled into our new normal. We are at peace with it.
We continue to educate ourselves. We also enjoy advocating and fundraising. While we do hope for a cure, our motto has always been a very balanced approach, “FOCUS on living well and FUNDRAISE for a cure!” This approach helps to us feel like we are doing something to help find a cure without losing focus on the task at hand - which is raising a happy, healthy young man who manages his diabetes well and lives a very long, healthy life.
I hope as a parent mentor that I can help someone living with this diagnosis to navigate the many issues that arise that do not warrant a call to the endocrinologist such as school issues, play dates, sleep overs, etc.
I am a stay-at-home mom and part time-student at Youngstown State University in the dietetics program. My goal is to become a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.
Mason is currently on the OmniPod insulin management system and also wears the DexCom continuous glucose monitor to manage his diabetes.
Michelle is a parent mentor for these conditions: Diabetes.
Michelle is a mentor for these care services: Diabetes, Eye
