Amelia Schaefer

For our second segment, meet Amelia Schaefer from Overland Park, Kansas, who was first diagnosed with Type One at the age of ten. She and her family gave the Jim’s Team 4 Diabetes permission to share her story. Amelia is currently a senior in high school as of this writing (November, 2024).

Eight simple words. Eight words changed my life forever. Within five seconds, my childhood innocence, and entire life as I knew it was stripped away from me. “I’m sorry but you have type one diabetes” is the phrase that has played repeatedly in my head for nearly seven years.

This disease feels like a plague infecting every aspect of my being. Diabetes transfigured who I was, and the ups and downs this endeavor produced seemed like a never-ending roller coaster, and still does till this day. On February 27, 2018, I was diagnosed with Type One diabetes. Being only ten years old, my new daily tasks consisted of around 25-30 finger sticks, 10-15 daily insulin injections, and adapting to
an insulin pump that was an extremely unnerving task which left me mentally and physically drained.

There were interruptions during classes to go to the nurse to correct my blood sugar levels as well as the times I was sidelined during my soccer games and cross country meets with a low blood sugar count. Back then, I also missed out on many of my friend’s activities and sleepovers, passed on birthday treats or other foods because my blood sugar levels were high or I did not want to undergo another injection. I also knew how hard this was on my parents that they now had to deal with the exorbitant costs of insulin and diabetes supplies as a few of the repercussions that went along with my diagnosis and daily care.

Entering high school with diabetes presented its own challenges. Being the only one in my school with type one diabetes, I was embarrassed about the stares from my classmates when they saw my CGM and insulin pump on my arm and leg. To make matters worse, my alarms would sound during class which intensified my classmates' curiosity. Tackling my rigorous academic load is even more time consuming with
necessary management to maintain a healthy blood sugar. Having to wait until I recover from a very low number to do homework, study, or finish a test is so frustrating. There are no days off from diabetes; it demands vigilant attention around the clock. While my peers focus on a carefree, fun football game or what to wear to a dance, I am mindful of my blood sugar levels, making sure I have all my diabetes
supplies, and how events will affect my number. When I try on prom dresses, I am cognizant of where my pump and tubing will be safe.

Looking ahead to college when I will be alone and completely responsible for my diabetes management, I’ll need to make sure I have all the necessary medical supplies on hand to monitor my blood sugar numbers and when nighttime pump alarms wake me up. Knowing my mom will be less involved in my care is a bit overwhelming and intimidating.

When in college, I will aspire to make a positive impact in the world of diabetes by studying nursing and with a master’s degree, eventually work as a diabetes practitioner and educator. Sharing my knowledge and contributing to the wellbeing of other diabetics is my dream. I desire to alleviate the isolation and burden inflicted by type one diabetes.

While diabetes completely transformed my life, it has given me a great opportunity to help others and make a difference to those suffering from the same disease.