my story
i grew up living the life of an average kid in a typical neighborhood in suburbia.
As an 8th grader I didn't have too much to worry about: I had to take care of my homework, keep my room clean for mom, and enjoy every minute of recess that I could. I lived for weekends and time off like the highly anticipated Spring Break vacation. This particular Spring Break was different, however, as things started happening that would change my life forever.
LEADING UP TO SPRING BREAK
I noticed I wasn't hungry like usual. I started losing weight, was completely exhausted, and was spending way too much time urinating. I couldn't stay awake in class and I found myself falling asleep on the couch at home before I made it to bed. I would wake up 3 - 4 times in the middle of the night having to pee like Niagara Falls was somehow trapped inside of my bladder. For the next couple of weeks I was unknowingly going through all of the symptoms of diabetes.
LEADING UP TO SPRING BREAK
I noticed I wasn't hungry like usual. I started losing weight, was completely exhausted, and was spending way too much time urinating. I couldn't stay awake in class and I found myself falling asleep on the couch at home before I made it to bed. I would wake up 3 - 4 times in the middle of the night having to pee like Niagara Falls was somehow trapped inside of my bladder. For the next couple of weeks I was unknowingly going through all of the symptoms of diabetes.
"For the next couple of weeks I was unknowingly going through all of the symptoms of diabetes."
NOT YOUR AVERAGE WEEK OFF SCHOOL
Spring Break finally came around and I was excited. Mainly because I thought I would be able to recoup and everything would be back to normal again. Unfortunately, I was still experiencing all of the symptoms and it seemed to be getting worse. That Sunday morning we started to get ready for church. I barely ate any breakfast and I attempted to take a nap before we left but, of course, to no avail. I made it through the entire church service and the pastor stood us up for the closing prayer. This was literally the longest prayer I've ever prayed (or at least that's how it felt). All of a sudden I broke out into a sweat and felt horribly sick to my stomach. I knew what was about to happen. I told my mom that I felt like I was going to pass out. She instantly jumped into "Super Mom" mode and started our exit out of the church. I couldn't even make it down the hallway before my legs started to give out from under me. My dad had to pick up me and carry me out. We made it to the car and I clamored in relieved to have made it away from all of the curious eyes in the church service. My parents said that we were going to the ER and I tried to refuse, saying that I just needed rest. They ignored my plea. We made it to the ER and sat patiently in the lobby awaiting the nurse to call me to the back. In the meantime my mom got me a 7-Up to drink (not the best choice as you could imagine)...
THE DIAGNOSIS
The nurse called me up. They drew around 6 vials of blood and then it was the waiting game. About 45 minutes later she finally came back and said, "Matthew, we've tested your blood and have found that your sugar level is over 1,000. We are diagnosing you with Type 1 Diabetes..." and everything she said after that was a blur. My heart sank. She left the room. I started crying. I had no idea what diabetes was; no one else in my family had it. But my Mom was by my side and she assured me that everything would be okay...
Spring Break finally came around and I was excited. Mainly because I thought I would be able to recoup and everything would be back to normal again. Unfortunately, I was still experiencing all of the symptoms and it seemed to be getting worse. That Sunday morning we started to get ready for church. I barely ate any breakfast and I attempted to take a nap before we left but, of course, to no avail. I made it through the entire church service and the pastor stood us up for the closing prayer. This was literally the longest prayer I've ever prayed (or at least that's how it felt). All of a sudden I broke out into a sweat and felt horribly sick to my stomach. I knew what was about to happen. I told my mom that I felt like I was going to pass out. She instantly jumped into "Super Mom" mode and started our exit out of the church. I couldn't even make it down the hallway before my legs started to give out from under me. My dad had to pick up me and carry me out. We made it to the car and I clamored in relieved to have made it away from all of the curious eyes in the church service. My parents said that we were going to the ER and I tried to refuse, saying that I just needed rest. They ignored my plea. We made it to the ER and sat patiently in the lobby awaiting the nurse to call me to the back. In the meantime my mom got me a 7-Up to drink (not the best choice as you could imagine)...
THE DIAGNOSIS
The nurse called me up. They drew around 6 vials of blood and then it was the waiting game. About 45 minutes later she finally came back and said, "Matthew, we've tested your blood and have found that your sugar level is over 1,000. We are diagnosing you with Type 1 Diabetes..." and everything she said after that was a blur. My heart sank. She left the room. I started crying. I had no idea what diabetes was; no one else in my family had it. But my Mom was by my side and she assured me that everything would be okay...
"We have diagnosed you with Type 1 Diabetes."
ADAPT OR PERISH
I was taken and admitted to the local Children's Hospital (CHKD) to learn about diabetes and how to manage it. I was introduced to pricking my fingers to check my blood sugar, taking shots and measuring insulin doses, carb counting, and watching my overall diet. Initially I was taking Lantus along with Novolog insulin and was on a very strict eating timeline. Eventually I was able to move over to using the insulin pen and later on I got an insulin pump. My family was a huge support system for me. I cut back on sweets and moved to a lower carb diet. I have always exercised so that wasn't much of a change, but overall the entire experience was certainly life changing. I've learned to accept what it is and move forward. Rebellion is not the answer.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Upon graduating North Carolina A&T in 2012, I returned home to Hampton Roads, Virginia. I really felt a calling to do more about diabetes. I got involved with the local American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure cycling event, ended up forming a cycling team, and have since then been asked to speak at multiple events spreading awareness and sharing my story. The message being that diabetes does not control your life; you control your life. You can still do all the things you've dreamed of as long as you take care of yourself. Don't put limitations on yourself because of a manageable condition.
I was taken and admitted to the local Children's Hospital (CHKD) to learn about diabetes and how to manage it. I was introduced to pricking my fingers to check my blood sugar, taking shots and measuring insulin doses, carb counting, and watching my overall diet. Initially I was taking Lantus along with Novolog insulin and was on a very strict eating timeline. Eventually I was able to move over to using the insulin pen and later on I got an insulin pump. My family was a huge support system for me. I cut back on sweets and moved to a lower carb diet. I have always exercised so that wasn't much of a change, but overall the entire experience was certainly life changing. I've learned to accept what it is and move forward. Rebellion is not the answer.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Upon graduating North Carolina A&T in 2012, I returned home to Hampton Roads, Virginia. I really felt a calling to do more about diabetes. I got involved with the local American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure cycling event, ended up forming a cycling team, and have since then been asked to speak at multiple events spreading awareness and sharing my story. The message being that diabetes does not control your life; you control your life. You can still do all the things you've dreamed of as long as you take care of yourself. Don't put limitations on yourself because of a manageable condition.
"The message being that diabetes does not control your life; you control your life."
THE MISSION
URBANDIGGS will further expand outreach and awareness for diabetes by providing an avenue to showcase creative passions, encouraging community engagement, and empowering those affected by the disease. For every work completed under the URBANDIGGS platform, 50% of profits will be donated to the American Diabetes Association.
URBANDIGGS will further expand outreach and awareness for diabetes by providing an avenue to showcase creative passions, encouraging community engagement, and empowering those affected by the disease. For every work completed under the URBANDIGGS platform, 50% of profits will be donated to the American Diabetes Association.