[lisawestbrook]

Hi my name is Lisa and I was 11 years old when I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I started taking around 4 shots a day, and over the years it became 6 to 8 a day. I was in and out of the hospital due to complications of the disease and was put on and insulin pump at the age of 15.

My mom passed away that year after a year long battle of health problems, and cancer that took her life at the age of 45. (She was also diabetic). My dad was left with 3 young children, and a life that he knew nothing of. As the oldest daughter, I suddenly became an adult caring for my family when my dad couldn’t, and doing everything I could for them. I quickly became severely depressed and was functioning off of other peoples energy, because I had none of my own. I was put on antidepressants, but only took them for a short time.

I'm glad to be able to find this community so I can interact with people like me.