It was July of 2008 when everything changed. I was only four years old, barely old enough to write my name or tie my shoes. I found myself in the middle of something no child could truly understand: a medical crisis that would shape the rest of my life. At first, no one knew what was wrong with me. I was constantly thirsty, always tired, and losing weight rapidly. I didn’t want to play, didn’t want to eat, and seemed to be slipping further away every day. My parents were terrified. They took me to the doctor, then to the emergency room, and finally, I ended up in the children’s hospital.
I was only eight years old when my world changed forever. What started as days of confusion, exhaustion, and unanswered questions turned into a fight for my life. For too long, no one could tell me why I felt so sick, why my body was shutting down. By the time the doctors finally discovered the truth, I was teetering on the edge of diabetic ketoacidosis. That diagnosis, type 1 diabetes, along with celiac disease, didn’t just change my life. It saved it.
Managing obesity often involves multiple specialists. Join us to learn about the multidisciplinary team involved in obesity care. From doctors to registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to therapists, there are many on your health care team that will support your weight-wellness journey.
Guest Expert: Rachel Stahl, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES, Dietitian, New York-Presbyterian Hospital
Discover fun, accessible exercises for all sizes and abilities. We’ll discuss how to overcome barriers and find ways to incorporate physical activity into your life.
Guest Expert: Michael See, MS, ACSM-CEP, CDCES, NBC-HWC, FADCES
Confused by the growing noise in the weight management space? Join us and learn from experts about Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved obesity medications and why it goes beyond weight loss. Get the facts so you can make informed decisions and learn what to expect from your health care team.
Guest Expert: Osama Hamdy, MD, PhD
Your mental health matters as much as your physical health. Join us to discuss the emotional impact of living with obesity and learn strategies to help you through your obesity care journey.
Guest Expert: Robyn Pashby, PhD, Founder of Health Psychology Partners
As teens and young adults become more independent, the role of caregivers in diabetes management can change in both expected and unexpected ways, which can present new opportunities and challenges for supporting your teen or young adult. This event is designed for parents and caregivers of adolescents and young adults living with diabetes. Learn from health care experts about shifting roles and responsibilities as young people take on more independent diabetes management, as well as strategies to foster healthy communication, promote confidence and empowerment, and cultivate emotional resilience in your young person.
Guest Experts: Jessie J. Wong, PhD, and Persis Commissariat, PhD, CDCES
I was diagnosed at the age of 6. I was scratched by a dog and the wound just wouldn't heal. Along with weight loss and excessive thirst, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I still lived as a "normal" kid, climbing trees, bike riding, swimming, and playing ball, but I had to take daily shots to stay alive. I credit my mom who raised me as a single parent for her support and love that allowed me to be a kid, an adolescent, and an adult that lived normally with type 1 diabetes.
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