We’re stronger together

The sugar rush racing team is walking to end type 1 diabetes (T1D).

*Join us October 26th at Zoo Knoxville!!

Hi! My name is Scarlett. I am 7 years old, and I have type 1 diabetes. This means I am insulin dependent, because my body doesn't make insulin.

This diagnosis has changed mine and my family's lives forever. I will always have diabetes as there is currently no cure.

Most days I don't like having diabetes, because I have to get so many pokes, and it makes me feel bad when my sugar gets low. But sometimes I don't mind, like on days I get to skip lines at Dollywood!

I'm just like any other kid. I love to play with my brother, cousins, and friends, and I love pizza and ice cream. Mom likes to keep me active, so we're always on the go. My favorite sport is cheerleading. I recently started tumbling at Twister's and I love it! I got my backbend down and advanced to the next class in only 4 weeks! I also take piano lessons and am in Girl Scouts with my best friends.

I didn't get diabetes from eating too much sugar. T1D is an autoimmune disease. My body attacked my pancreas. This happened to me when I was 4 years old. Now my body does not make insulin—a hormone essential to turning food into energy. 

Anytime I eat or if my blood sugar is high, I need insulin. If my blood sugar is low, I need sugar and fast. Sugar can be my enemy and my best friend.

Managing my diabetes is not fun. It's hard work that involves monitoring my blood-sugar level, taking insulin, and carefully balancing these insulin doses with eating and activity. Even with the best care, I can still experience dangerously high or low blood sugar levels that can kill me.

With T1D there are no days off and there is no cure. But there is hope. And that’s why our team supports Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).

I hope you will join my team or make a tax-deductible donation to my fundraising goal! I want a cure for my diabetes.

Thank you for always supporting and loving me!

Love, Scarlett