Demauri Malin
April 30, 2010My name is Demauri Malin, Type 1 diabetic, 22 years and counting. It seems it was just yesterday my diagnosis walked through the door of my perfect little world. I took the bull by the horns and became a pain in my parents butt. Literally I decided I couldn't eat at restaurants and had to exercise at the most difficult times. My parents didn't mind the thumping of my feet to aerobic videos at midnight after I returned from work. Later in life I became less strict and discovered what being flexible meant while keeping my diabetes in-check. I did great for a short time on shots but quickly my numbers became a health issue as I longed to become more active, pushing my limits, I measured my individual goals of athletic success against my non-diabetic team mates.
My blood glucose numbers began crashing to dangerous levels at work and during games to the point that if affected my working relationships and friendships. I soon realized the insulin pump would educate me and allow me to manage my activity, work stress and life changes in a more controlled and safe manner. However, there was still something missing...people like myself...living with the disease in an inspiring way.
When my husband and I were transferred to Colorado is was my medical team that became the gateway to an organization called Insulindependence and through this organization the world of others like myself became a reality. I met Mari Ruddy and Marcey Robinson at an event for diabetics held by Insulindependence. What may have seemed like a normal introduction to both of them was a life changing moment for me because it that moment my eyes opened to a wonderfully inspiring place to meet, train and learn from other athletic women like myself. Team WILD is about being a part of something bigger than diabetes! After 22 years Team WILD has taught me to feel normal and it feels fantastic!
Thank you WILD women you truly are inspiring, hooah!
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