Hi,

My name is Sara Hollingshead and I am currently working on an Honors project at William Smith College and am looking for some help. I’ve had Type 1 Diabetes since I was eight years old (1998) and know how it can isolate an adolescent in what some consider one’s favorite years-high school and college. Thus, I have embarked on a year long Honors project that will allow me to create a collection of short stories about living as a young adult with diabetes; if you ever read The Dinosaur Tamer when you were first diagnosed/younger, I’m hoping to create something along the lines of that, but for an older audience-13-22 years old.

The purpose of this collection is to remind adolescents that they are not the only one counting carbs or taking insulin, which is why I am turning to anyone who would like to help.

I ask you to share a story or two about living with diabetes. The story can be about anything you’ve done or been through, in relation to diabetes, preferably though a high school or college/growing-up experience. The stories will ultimately show how people with diabetes still live. For example, my own story recounts a really bad low experience during a Spring Break rowing training trip.

If you’re interested in sharing a story, a few things you might want to know—

-I don’t need the story today or tomorrow; I am working on the project until March, so you can take some time to reflect and think about your experiences, but just let me know you’re interested in helping out.
-You don’t have to write the story either; I’ll be doing all of the writing, editing, revising, etc., so if it’s easier for you to tell me your story over the phone or Skype, I’m happy to oblige.
-Your story/experience does not need to be ‘happy-go-lucky’ it just needs to show an experience in your life with diabetes
-I’m hoping each story to be considered a ‘short story’ or at least a few pages, so you can combine a few experiences to show your growth/development of life with diabetes, or you can just elaborate on one specific experience.
-Although I am not sure how at the moment, I will be recognizing each person (you!) that the story is about (probably with a small biography paragraph and the beginning of end of the story). And if you want to change the names of people involved/your name, that is fine as well!

I’m really excited about my project and working with people living with diabetes to remind adolescents that they are not alone and that life goes on, despite diabetes.

If you want to help or have any questions or concerns, I can be reached here, on TuDiabetes, or email sara.hollingshead@hws.edu

Thank you in advance for your support!