Diabetic Springfield Girl, 11, Honored By New Jersey Devils

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Avid New Jersey Devils fan Isabella Terranova, 11, Springfield, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 21 months old, was honored by her favorite hockey team.

Terranova was invited to the Prudential Center to watch the Devils beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2.

Her special experience included a Zamboni ride, a visit to the pre-game high-five tunnel, time with the popular team mascot NJ Devil, and the highlight of the evening was opportunity to visit the team after the game to meet her favorite player, center Travis Zajac.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes requires Terranova to check her blood sugar with a finger prick multiple times each day, and to keep track of everything she eats in order to take the right amount of insulin.

However, she has never let her diabetes get in the way of her love for sports and physical activity, as she has played multiple youth sports and is a big Devils fan.

Terranova, who attended the game with her parents, grandfather and best friend, was also joined by her doctor, Dennis J. Brenner, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist and chief of the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology at RWJBarnabas Health’s Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

RWJBarnabas Health is the official healthcare provider for the New Jersey Devils, and this “special experience” is designed to recognize and celebrate patients and their families.

(Photo Credit: RWJBarnabas Health: After the Devil’s win, Isabella had the opportunity to meet her favorite player Travis Zajac, who visited with her and her family, posed for photos and signed a hockey puck.)

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