I would have never thought that I would be here, in my 40’s, surviving type 1 diabetes for over 30 years, and providing a space for others to join a community and purchase items that were created from my heart to help make life with diabetes easier. But… here I am!

I was diagnosed with t1d on April 24th, 1991. It is a day that is forever etched in my memory. Not necessarily as a dreary, scary, emotional day, although that was a part of it, but more as a day that changed the forecast for my life from that day forward. I remember crying as I laid in bed that night. The tears were coming from a place of the fearful and unknown, and although I tried to not think these thoughts, my mind was racing with the “Why me?” questions. At this point, I didn’t fully understand what having type 1 diabetes meant, other than what I had learned that day at the doctor’s office. My mother came into my bedroom to check on me. She sat on my bed and held me as we both cried. We talked about what emotions I was feeling and why, and my thoughts started to change. I wiped my tears and told my mother that I knew that it could always be worse, and that I would be strong and will be okay. She smiled and I could tell that she believed me. From that moment on, I made it my mission to not only protect myself all of these years, but to protect my loved ones, so they didn’t need to worry about me. But being strong day and night, especially when I’m exhausted from diabetes, has been a heavy load to carry at times. That night, crying in my room and putting on my t1d warrior shield, was over 30 years ago now, and remembering that moment still brings tears to my eyes. I’ve held onto that promise, and have done the best that I can. I have a lot of work to do on my overall health but I will do it and will keep living life to the fullest!

So, why the Numbered One, you ask? Well, life as a type 1 diabetic is constantly filled with numbers. Here are a few examples: blood glucose level (ex: 145), how many grams of carbs did I eat? (ex: 30), what time did I eat or exercise? (ex: 12:15pm), how long did I exercise? (ex: 45 minutes), how much correction insulin do I need for high blood sugar levels? (ex: 2 units), and many, many more. Numbers are a part of me and have been since I was young.

I have worked very hard and have a successful real estate career as a Realtor and Broker. But my biggest accomplishment is my son! He has by far been the greatest blessing that I could have ever asked for. He is now in his 20’s and I have been a single parent since day 1. He has taught me so many things- especially resilience, courage, strength, and love. Since the moment that he was born, my life had a new purpose- to love, teach and protect him with all that I have and all that I am.

Thank you so much for supporting me and my small business! I love you all!

Cheers, Amy