Young woman channels her own experiences with diabetes into volunteer work
Katie Chedore can easily recall the last two months leading up to her tenth birthday. The New Brunswick resident suddenly became very sick and was taken to the emergency room. After a series of tests, Katie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
Even though 12 years have passed, the day Katie came home from the hospital is fresh in her mind. “We were getting ready to have supper, the meal had been counted and my insulin needle was ready. I couldn’t do it, I burst into tears and panicked,” recalls Katie.
At first Katie admits to enjoying some of the attention but over time her outlook changed. “I got angry, hated my disease and I didn’t want to talk about it.” Since that time Katie has learned to live with diabetes. From taking up to five insulin injections a day to using an insulin pump, she’s feeling more in control.
Thanks to the new lifestyle that her insulin pump provides, and her faith, Katie proudly states that diabetes is a part of who she is. “If I introduced myself and had to say something about me, I would say ‘Hello, I’m Katie and I am a diabetic!’”
As a volunteer and spokesperson for the Canadian Diabetes Association, Katie has a desire to give back to the diabetes community. “We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate volunteer supporting our work,” says Colleen Burke, Public Programs & Services Coordinator, New Brunswick.
Join volunteers like Katie and learn how you can get involved in your community.
Photo credit: Copyright 2009, The Daily Gleaner. Used by permission.