My name is Alison Sharkey-Hines, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11. Shortly after being diagnosed, I dove into the diabetes community. My pediatrician referred to me as “His Star Diabetic”, it was a title I wore proudly. I participated in youth groups, attended camps, and even spoke on panels. I did everything I could in the diabetic community because it gave me the hope and strength I needed. As time went on and I grew older, life became more demanding, and I wasn’t able to dedicate as much time to the community as I had in the past. My extra curriculars in the diabetes