Alex (center) with campers in Ecuador

¿HABLA USTED "DIABETES"?

As varsity soccer captain at the Latin School of Chicago, 17-year-old senior Alex Case says she always expected to have problems with her ankles, knees, and tendons. But growing up as an athlete never prepared her for having problems with her pancreas.

Since Alex was diagnosed with diabetes almost six years ago, she figures she's taken more than 10,000 shots of insulin--and she's struggled with every one. "I don't like the fact that I have diabetes. I don't even like the fact that my family embraced my disease. I do not want to be defined by diabetes," she says.

Last summer, Alex volunteered with AYUDA (American Youth Understanding Diabetes Abroad) to help Ecuadorian children with diabetes. She traveled to Quito, Ecuador, for five weeks, taking advanced Spanish and then serving as a counselor at Camp Amigo for girls ages 11 to 14 with diabetes.

"Like me, they should be taking four or five shots of insulin a day," she says. Instead, because of lack of education and medical supplies, they were taking only four or five shots a week.

She made a special connection with 13-year-old Johanna, who knew very little about diabetes and was rushed to the hospital several times a year.

"No surprise that the first day of camp, Johanna's blood sugar levels were out of control," Alex says. Johanna questioned the importance of the injections, but finally Alex earned her trust. "By the end of the week, Johanna's numbers were consistently in the mid 100s... On the last day of camp, Johanna hugged me tight. She said, 'Siento mejor! I just feel so much better!'"

Alex says that the experience was an eye-opener for her, too.  "In trying to be a good role model for my campers, my own diabetes management improved tremendously. I didn't realize how poorly I felt until I started to feel good again."

Since returning home, Alex has continued to gain better control of her diabetes, and her relationship with her family has improved as well. "I realize that my family is engaged with my diabetes because they want to see me healthy, not just now, but for the long term." She adds that AYUDA "taught me how important it is to care for my diabetes and how lucky I am to have the resources available to do so."

Although Alex now accepts that diabetes is a part of her, she still doesn't allow it to define her. "I won't sugar-coat it: Diabetes isn't fun! But in a world of college essays, terrorism, and global warming, I know it's something I can control, and it doesn't seem that bad."

AYUDA SEEKS LEADERS
AYUDA is looking for outgoing, responsible leaders who are excited about working with kids with diabetes. Visit www.ayudainc.net for updated information on AYUDA's various programs. 



This article appeared in the Spring 2007 issue of Countdown for Kids magazine.