Hi. My name is Noah Stock. I am eight years old and I am in grade 3 at West Bayfield in Barrie, Ontario.
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was only 21 months old. I don't really remember it because I was too small, but my mom and dad tell me that I was really sick and had to be in the hospital for a week.
I remember getting lots of needles. Things are better now with my insulin pump. My mom changes the site every three days. Still I have had countless finger pokes and needles and doctors' appointments.
I had to keep track of everything I do. It all affects my numbers. I also have to follow a healthy, well-balanced, low-sugar diet. I still wish I could be a regular kid. My family worries about me a lot, even though I tell them that I am okay.
For me, a cure would mean I would get to be a normal kid like my friends. It would mean never having to wear a pump, no more finger pokes, no more needles. I could eat whatever I wanted, like my sisters do. I could play at my friends' houses and have sleepovers. Overcoming the challenges I face with my diabetes makes me feel like I can do anything. I am my own superhero. I am living proof that I can be anything I want when I grow up. I am determined to try new things even if it takes a lot of planning.
I know I can do it, just like I know that we can one day find a cure for type 1 diabetes.
Thank you.