On this episode, we head to the Midwest and visit Marcus in Cincinnati. Marcus was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 15. This year marks Marcus' 25th year with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

His diagnosis was a true traumatic experience for a young, fit athlete, and for the first few days after diagnosis, he did fall into a state of slumber depression. This was until his dad tapped him on his shoulder and said, "Just listen."

25 years ago, Marcus' diagnosis was not what we see and know it to be today. He started with NPH and Regular insulin. There was no wiggle room back then. His parents were his greatest advocates during those early years.

He remembers making sure every time he went out of the house to go through his checklist of everything needed. Marcus owned his diabetes from day 1. A lot of this is because of his anger with this diagnosis.

25 years ago his mom was his CGM. She made sure that she understood what it looked like when his blood sugar would fluctuate.

Marcus and his wife were on the Netflix series "I Do," which aired in 2020, where he and his wife were given a second chance at their dream wedding.

Follow Marcus along his journey @marcouslacour

Step into the world of Jayla. Jayla is a 24-year-old Detroit native and recent graduate of Clark Atlanta University. With a career in radio and digital marketing, her aspiration is to become an influencer and advocate for individuals like her to thrive even with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 diabetes. Jayla was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes the summer before high school at the age of 14. With being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes for 10 years, she’s navigated her health journey through community and advocacy throughout many of the rooms she’s stepped in. In the end she hopes to be able to teach others, reach out to others, and inspire others.

Jayla is the Miss Atlanta Clark University 2024-2025 and in May graduated Magna Cum Laude

Connect with Jayla on Instagram @indigoyah

In this episode, we journey to India to meet Khushi Ahuja, a global advocate for T1International. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11, Khushi shares her personal story of navigating the challenges of her diagnosis, including an extended honeymoon period. She discusses the stigmas surrounding diabetes and the critical role community support has played in her journey. Khushi reveals how connecting with others who understand her struggles has been a lifeline, offering hope and empowerment. Her family has been instrumental in keeping her at her best, providing unwavering support. Join us as we explore the transformative power of community and the importance of mental health support in managing chronic conditions. #CommunitySupport #DiabetesAwareness #MentalHealthMatters

On this episode, we sit down with Sa'Ra, a passionate advocate and inspiring individual who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since the age of five, 25 years ago. Sa'Ra's journey is deeply personal, as her mother's older sister, Joy, also had Type 1 Diabetes and passed away from complications at the young age of 43. Five years after her diagnosis, her baby sister (3 years younger) was diagnosed. Tune in for an empowering conversation that highlights the importance of support, love, and choosing joy in the face of adversity.

In 2019, Sa'Ra's advocacy continued when she spoke out publicly, which led to widespread media attention and connections to T1International. She was then invited to testify before the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee, where she passionately addressed the insulin pricing crisis.

Join us as we explore her journey of resilience, from childhood challenges to becoming a mother, and her unwavering commitment to advocacy.

Follow Sa'Ra via instagram @_SaRaJoycelyn @_SkipJoy

In this compelling episode of the Chronically Will podcast, we hear from Dee, a resilient Cuban-Jamaican born, Brooklyn-bred single mother, as she shares her journey of advocating for her daughter, Jayde Michele, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just two years old, only 6 years ago. Dee opens up about the challenges and triumphs of navigating the educational system, ensuring Jayde receives the support she needs to thrive. From managing blood sugar levels during school activities to fostering a community of understanding and support, Dee's story is a testament to the power of informed advocacy and unwavering love. Join us to explore how Dee's cultural roots and personal strength shape her approach to advocacy and learn how you can make a difference in your community.

Follow Jayde Michele's journey

Instagram @type1derfullyme

On this episode, you get to hear (seriously) one of the funnest conversations I've ever had with our sister Norma. Norma grew up in Puerto Rico, went to college in the US, and ended up in Canada, where she's been for the last 22 years.

Norma is a mom of 2, a wife, and has been living with T1D for 43 years!! She doesn't remember life without T1D.

For the past 15 years, she has been focused on raising her kids and, more recently, went back to school to get her MPH.

Norma lived in Cleveland until she was 3 (Big BTNH fan). She was diagnosed with T1D during the transition of moving from Cleveland to Puerto Rico. As a toddler, when she got diagnosed, her parents were diagnosed. Her dad told her that it's one of the few times he cried. 95% of her diagnosis was theirs. Everyone came together as a community of family and friends to support them.

Throughout our conversation, you can feel Norma's passion for helping others advocate and stand up for their rights! After 43 years of being a Type One Diabetic, she's ready for the next step in care and technology.

Although Norma does not recall a life before diabetes, she does hope for a day when not only is insulin accessible to all, but on the day a cure is here, it reaches our most vulnerable communities first.

Follow Norma @norma__amy

She's always willing to lend a hand in helping out her fellow diabetic!

In this episode, we engage in a heartfelt conversation with Esi, a long-time Type 1 Diabetes advocate. Esi was diagnosed with T1D in 1988 at the age of six.

During our conversation, Esi discusses the challenges faced by black individuals living with diabetes, the importance of community support, and the need for cultural sensitivity in healthcare. Asi shares her journey of creating The Carb Cookout, a supportive community for black individuals with diabetes, emphasizing the significance of representation.

The Carb Cookout: Black and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes is a Facebook group that was created during the heart of the pandemic. The conversation highlights the emotional and social aspects of living with Type 1 Diabetes, the role of healthcare providers, and the hope for a future where diabetes is no longer a barrier to living fully.

Everyone needs an Esi in their corner!

Follow Esi on Instagram at @onyxempress

Diagnosed with T1D in the 90's, at 10 years young while in the 5th grade on Staten Island, NY.

Simone?! is a Black trans non-binary artist. He is a New York City nomad who has lived in each borough at least

twice. His 32nd diaversary is approaching, along with the 4th year living with kidney failure. Simone?! has lived

with other complications and continues to learn that other conditions could also be comorbidities.

Simone's?! paternal grandmother also lived with diabetes. During diagnosis Simone?! was met with a lot of scare

tactics. Simone?! was spoken to as if they were supposed to know everything the doctors knew about diabetes.

The start of this journey geared how diabetes was handled for a long time.

Keywords

diabetes, chronic illness, resilience, community, identity, mental health, kidney disease, self-advocacy, art,

"We are alive, we're not always well."

"Your story hasn't been told before."

"I was diagnosed as a little one."