The Traveling Hospital

As I packed my things and squeezed the suitcase shut, it became clear to me that traveling with type 1 diabetes is no easy endeavor. Imagine having, at home, an entire closet full of supplies, including insulin vials, blood sugar meters, test strips, glucose tabs, and syringes, just to name a few. Then, imagine bringing those supplies along, through airport security, into the overhead compartment, into the hotel room, anywhere and everywhere. Cumbersome, right?

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11, I have had to manage this disease 24/7. One of the greatest challenges a diabetic can face is traveling. Wherever my family goes, we always have a designated bag brimming at the seams with diabetes supplies. My little brother, the jokester of the family, calls the bag “the traveling hospital.” He’s dead on.

While previous family vacation destinations included Florida and Arizona, the next trip is a very special one indeed. 150 type 1 diabetic children from across the nation will convene on Capitol Hill to encourage Congressional support for diabetes research. While sandy beaches and tanning may not be on the agenda, a cure for diabetes is.

The destination may be different, but diabetes will require the same amount of attention. The midnight blood sugar checks, the carb counting, and the insulin calculations will be constantly on my mind. Through the JDRF Children’s Congress, where I will represent Missouri, I want to show Congress the 24/7 nature of diabetes. A good way to do that would be to pull out “the traveling hospital.”

But just as diabetes brings challenges, it also brings blessings. My dad has become a master organizer. Before every trip, he packs all of my diabetes supplies, labels them, and brings all of the prescriptions. If anything, he packs on the ultra prepared side. If my family and I become stranded, we have enough supplies to last forever. My joking brother takes a lighter approach. He says we could open our own pharmacy. He’s probably right.

On the eve of Children’s Congress, I am thrilled to be a part of such an incredible event. I know that between the hundreds of other type 1 diabetic kids and teens, we will form strong bonds and friendships. I am sure, too, that my “traveling hospital” will find hundreds of other companions.

Hopefully, Children’s Congress 2011 will make great strides towards a cure for type 1 diabetes. I will post often during my stay in Washington, D.C., and I cannot wait to share my experiences with you. You can follow the event at cc.jdrf.org. Maybe one day, due to the progress made at Children’s Congress, the “traveling hospital” will be officially retired.