Hello…. My name is Cassidy Hornsby, I am 13 years old. I live in Brentwood, CA. I LOVE soccer and play on a competitive team, the Evolution. I also run track for my middle school and play on the softball team. And I was diagnosed with diabetes on March 31, 2005. Since then my life has been full of ups and downs, some because of having diabetes and some just from being a kid.
In the five years since my diagnoses, I’ve been involved in many diabetes activities, from JDRF’s Walk for a Cure, to attending the Children with Diabetes annual conferences called Friends for Life and going to the Diabetic Youth Foundation’s camp programs and Bearskin Meadow Camp. All of it has been an awesome adventure. I still wish I didn’t have diabetes, but it’s hard to feel too sorry for myself when my family and I are part of so many cool activities.
Something I’m most proud of happened with I was in 5th grade at Pioneer Elementary School (I’m in 7th grade now). With the help on my mom (who works at Pioneer) and my amazing teacher, I organized a Diabetes Awareness Week at my school. I wanted to let everyone know what having diabetes is like. We had the Dogs 4 Diabetics come and give an assembly, we also has a person from JDRF come to speak (I even got up in front of the whole school and shared what diabetes is like for me -scary). And the week ended with an awareness walk with all the kids marching around the playground. It was really cool
From all the experiences and places I’ve been, I’ve learned so much. I’ve met some inspiring people that have made me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. I’ve met Miss American 1999, Nicole Johnson, Will Cross – the first American and first person with diabetes to climb the highest peak on each continent and trek to the North and South Poles, Jen Alexander, the 2008 Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association’s “Athlete of the Year,” Chris Dudley and Adam Morrison both from the NBA, just to name a few. All are living with diabetes, just like me!
I think it would be a lot of fun to be a part of the teens mentoring program. I have learned a lot and I think it would be great to share my experiences with a kid that’s just learning about living with diabetes. I also understand that there’s still so much that I don’t know. I hope to hear from you soon. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter!
Thanks -
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Cassidy is a typical teenager, full of zest and eager to have a good time. She is also my nieces’ daughter. She is also a fighter for Diabetes awareness. I am a type II diabetic, diagnosed in ???, having a senior moment, I think 1988. I am on oral medication and have been closely controlled for this time. My road is much easier than Cassidy’s and I’m proud of her efforts.
ken Lopez