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T1D Fighter, Warrior, Champion For All!
My name is Drake Bennett, age 23, and I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 6. I don’t remember not having diabetes; it is the only life I know. Diabetes has impacted me in many ways. There are times when I do not feel like myself and in that moment, I’m not able to do things I would like, and no one sees the disease that is affecting me. Then there are times that I feel I can do anything because of my diabetes, having to live with it, and constantly be in control of myself. Both of these have made me a stronger, more independent, involved and caring person. I am more thankful for the things that I am blessed with and concerned for others, who may have issues that are not visible.
My diabetes has taken me on quite a journey over the past 17 years. I have been able to experience many, exciting things and meet some wonderful people, which would not have been possible without this diagnosis. I have been fortunate to give some time to volunteer with my advocacy group, Drake’s Diabetes Destroyers, as a JDRF Ambassador and a mentor to newly diagnosed kids and their families. I have been a Camp Counselor at the Center for Courageous Kids during Diabetes Family Weekends and have met the most amazing kids and families. During the summer of 2019, I was selected to be an intern for JDRF Advocacy in Washington, DC. I was able to participate again in the 2019 Children’s Congress and meet with the delegates from across the Nation. I learned a lot over this summer, living on my own in a big city!
I enjoy working out and am a Certified Personal Trainer, in addition to my position as an Admission Counselor for Lindsey Wilson College. I want kids with Type 1 to know that there are endless possibilities to what you can do. You can do and be ANYTHING you want! Find something that inspires you, and get involved.
I am recently engaged to the love of my life, Savannah Gould and plan to be married next fall. She is always there for me, just like my family and friends! Every day is different with Type 1, but every day is a blessing!
T1D Momma of a T1D Fighter
Friday, December 2, 2005, is a day I will never forget; this is the day I heard the words for the first time, “Drake has Type 1 diabetes and will immediately need to start insulin injections daily!” I knew that with those words, Drake’s life had changed forever! Prior to his diagnosis, the symptoms he had shown were: extreme thirst and hunger, difficulty waking from sleep, weight loss and some irritability, which was never his personality. (Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body destroys the beta cells that produce insulin, until you no longer make insulin. It requires treatment 24/7, no 2 days are the same and there are no days off.)
I was completely in shock at first, then cried and cried when I got home and was alone! I knew that my sadness or stress would not help Drake handle this as a 6 year old, 1st grade boy, so I got on the internet and looked for signs of help and hope. During my search, I found the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the leading fundraiser for Diabetes research. Finding JDRF gave me hope for advancements in technology, and a better future for my son! We have also met many families and celebrity role models through JDRF Walks and Children’s Congress, who have become lifelong friends. Having these relationships and support is very important, not only for the person with Type 1, but the entire family.
In the past 17 years, JDRF has not disappointed in providing many advancements, the latest technology and continuing to get us closer to a cure. (Go to JDRF.org to learn the latest advancements, trials and research developments.) Fighting for a cure is the reason, Drake, our family and friends have been involved with JDRF since 2006. Drake’s advocacy group, “Drake’s Diabetes Destroyers” has raised an extraordinary amount of money, held fundraisers and events, shared awareness and education! I am so proud that Drake has been a spokesperson for JDRF as an Ambassador, a Youth Advocacy Leader, a Kentucky Delegate for the Children’s Congress, JDRF Advocacy Intern in DC, and a mentor for newly diagnosed kids.
My passion will always be the fight for a cure, but until then, I am currently working on a health campaign, that I hope one day will become a health law added to the current required vital signs taken at all doctors’ offices and hospitals in Kentucky and across the United States. I’m calling it, “When in doubt, Rule it out, the Drake Bennett Rule”! Checking blood glucose levels takes only 5 seconds, costs very little, and can make the difference in some misdiagnoses that have in the past lead to many deaths. Checking blood sugar, along with blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels and pulse can give medical staff more information to help decide on future testing, diagnosis, etc.…in patients of all ages.
My 6 year old brave, little boy is now all grown up; he is 23, thriving; and I could not be more proud of the man that Drake Bennett has become! I would like to give my most important advice for parents of newly diagnosed children: LET THEM BE KIDS! They have just been given a diagnosis of responsibility beyond their years, that is impossible for many adults, so they need their friends, to have fun, have freedom, have some crazy snacks sometimes, go to sleepovers and parties, and have lots and lots of positivity from their support system! This will require extra work and planning, but can totally make a difference in your child’s life with Type 1. Always make sure they know that there is nothing that Type 1 can stop them from doing! Take the obstacle and make it an opportunity! Be the positive force that makes the difference in your child’s fear or your child’s fearlessness of Type 1!