I still vividly remember being absolutely petrified the day I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was 28, I had a 2 year old to care for, I was barely out of the woods of PND and here I was being told I had Type 1 Diabetes. A life-changing disease that couldn't be prevented, there was no cure and I knew exactly how quickly things could get bad with this disease, because my mum also lives with T1D. I’ve been around it my whole life. Sure, it definitely helped having the first-hand experience of life with T1D in the family, but that also came with the significant burden of knowing how quickly things can get bad and how much you depend on other people (sometimes complete strangers!) to keep you alive at times.

Little did I know, how much this would change things (for the good!) and how much of a super power diabetes would be.

I’ve met some truly amazing & inspirational people. I now work with the best bunch of people I could possibly imagine, and we have so much fun together that we now choose to spend time outside of work together!

Another big thing – that turned out to be a really good thing – is that diabetes made me step out of my job comfort zone. I left a job I had been in for 10+ years. I knew it like the back of my hand, it was comfy, I knew what I was doing there, it was flexible, everyone knew me well. But the job I have now has opened up incredible opportunities. I’ve co-authored a journal article for the Lancet. I’ve met the CEO of JDRF and Diabetes Australia. I’ve met politicians, from local MPs to the WA Health Minister and heading to Canberra for high-level policy discussions to benefit the diabetes community! I’ve also met footballers, Australia’s first commercial airline pilot living with diabetes. I’ve met people who I work with to make a difference for those living with diabetes, and to me that’s really important and really special. One of the big highlights has been meeting Lions Club members who saw the passion behind what we do at PDC and together we formed the WA Lions Diabetes Club!

Everyday, I get to help bring ideas to life that will help improve the lives of people living with diabetes. I am in my absolute element when I’m organising events – big and small – for the diabetes community and our overall community of clients. I love it, and I know that these events are so helpful, informative and empowering. It’s so rewarding to be part of the team that makes these events happen. I also create resources for our staff and clients that get used every day. They bring value every day. They make life easier for people living with diabetes and other chronic health conditions every day! That’s pretty special.

I’ve collaborated with some incredible diabetes advocates to bring people the information they want to know, and to help bring about changes to access that the diabetes community deserves.

What else do I do with my super power?

• I’m the Health Promotion & Communications Manager at PDC Health Hub; WA’s largest private, multidisciplinary allied health clinic – this work is my ultimate happy place!
• I’ve spoken at 2 x Australasian Diabetes Congress Conferences.
• I was one of the Diabetes Australia People’s Voice reps at ADC this year – pinch me!
• I’ve done so much public speaking – something I used to truly hate & avoid at all costs. Diabetes has absolutely led me to being pushed out of my comfort zone in the best possible way.
• Flew to Canberra this year to have diabetes tech equity discussions with policy makers at Parliament House.
• I’m the Secretary of the WA Lions Diabetes Club.
• I’m on the Camp Quokka – T1D Adults Camp organising committee – which means I get to help organise camps that have such a huge, positive impact on the lives of adults living with T1D. I also get to attend which is pretty fun!
• I’ve learnt about the supports available for people living with diabetes; which means I was able to share this with my mum who didn’t previously have a lot of support or awareness of what the diabetes community has to offer.
• Heavily involved in diabetes advocacy – diabetes tech equity, Fiasp, airport security, etc - just to name a few!
• Did I mention I’ve met AMAZING people?!

I am confident that none of this would’ve ever been on the cards had I not been diagnosed with T1D. My diagnosis was terrifying, and diabetes sure is a pain to have to manage on the daily. There’s no breaks, no respite. But it’s led me down a path of my greatest, proudest work - and personal - achievements and given me the opportunity to give back to the diabetes community; just like I’ve always wanted to, but never knew how. Until now.

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