Forest Hill Senior Elementary School Student’s Efforts to Raise Awareness About Type 1 Diabetes Goes National
by Pearson News Staff
When 9-year-old Forest Hill Senior Elementary School student Paloma Darvasi was first diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes she was aware she was going to experience some major changes in her life. However, Paloma hasn’t let her T1D slow her down at all. Not only has she remained active, playing hockey, ringette as well as singing and dancing, she has also become a tireless advocate and messenger of hope, raising awareness about T1D and shedding light on the health condition that affects so many Canadians.
How has your life changed since you were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes?
T1D is an auto-immune disease, which means that my immune system attacked my pancreas and now I have to act as my own pancreas and inject insulin every time I eat just to stay alive.
The biggest changes are around eating, since I have to count the carbs in all the foods I eat and take enough insulin to cover them.
Also, I have to be very careful and strategic when it comes to exercise and physical activity, even for things like gym class or a very active recess like if I’m playing tag with my friends.
Being very active can make my blood sugar drop quickly, so I need to make sure I have some rapid carbs like juice or candy nearby to treat a potential low. I also need to try to not have lots of insulin on board if I know I’m going to be super active. It means I have to think ahead and try to be strategic to keep my blood sugars in target.
What do you think the best strategy is to raise awareness about Type 1 Diabetes?
I think the best way to raise awareness is to share information about T1D as much as possible. I’ve been really lucky because I have had the chance to present to my whole school, I presented to Microsoft at an event to raise money, I was on Global News in October because of the work I get to do as an advocate for JDRF, and on November 14th, which is World Diabetes Day, I got the chance to speak to my local MP, Peter Schiefke.
Another good way to raise awareness is that I wear my devices proudly. I wear a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, that reads my blood sugar levels to tell me if they are too high, too low, or just right, and that helps us make decisions about how much insulin I need to take. I also wear an insulin pump, which delivers my insulin directly instead of the 6-10 needles I used to have to take. I don’t hide my devices, and I love to decorate them with colourful stickers. Because I don’t hide them, people often ask me about them, which is another chance to raise awareness and educate people about this disease.
How did you feel when your local MP. Mr. Schiefeke recognized your efforts in terms of educating the public about Type 1 Diabetes?
I was so impressed that Mr. Schiefke made the time for a 9-year-old girl to share her story with him and tell him how important it is to raise awareness and also money for research for a cure. And I was so excited when he then spoke about Type 1 Diabetes in the House of Commons, which really helps raise awareness by telling people all over Canada about this disease.
What are some of your hobbies?
I really love playing hockey. Every time I get on the ice, I am in my happy place. I’m on a team called “The Storm” and I have so much fun with my teammates. I’m also playing on a ringette team this year, which is super fun. I love to read, to make art, I love to sing and dance, and lots of other stuff like that. I never let my Type 1 Diabetes stop me from doing anything.
Do you know what kind of career you would like to pursue?
Ever since I was really little, I always wanted to be a pediatrician since I love medical stuff and I also love babies and kids. Being diagnosed with T1D made a big impact on me and now I dream of being a pediatric endocrinologist, so a doctor who works with kids with T1D. I would love to be able to work with kids like me and make a difference in their lives, the way that my doctor makes a difference in mine. But I also really hope there is a cure for Type One before then, and we are closer than ever, so you never know. Maybe I’ll just be a regular pediatrician or specialize in a different type of medicine. I’d also really love to be able to continue to play hockey, hopefully at university and even after that if I can!
Quote from Mom and Dad (Leana and Paul):
Despite the challenges Paloma faces because of her disease, which are significant, we are so proud of her incredibly positive attitude. She shows no resentment, wears her medical devices proudly, is eager to educate anybody who is willing to listen, and continues to tackle every aspect of her life with determination, a big smile, and an even bigger heart.
3 Responses
So wonderful Paloma..you are an example to the world. We can learn so much from you. I love you and admire you forever.
Wow! Paloma is amazing! My little nephew was diagnosed at age 3 with T1D and now that he is 7 he is only just starting to accept his limitations. I bet he would learn a lot from Paloma so I am going to share this article with his parents.
Thanks so much for being such a great advocate for diabetes Paloma!
Sue Stacho
Stage Coordinator at PCHS
What an incredible article. So proud of you guys!