“Trust your gut,” said Dave Meyn after learning his 5-year-old daughter Ellie has type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although he and his wife noticed Ellie’s high water intake, it wasn’t until after her diagnosis, in May 2017, they realized Ellie’s other concerning behaviors –including her aggression and snacking leading up to her diagnosis – made sense.

Another big change in everyday life came soon after. One month after Ellie’s T1D diagnosis, she was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. This required the Meyn family to not only become accustomed to gauging Ellie’s mood, taking finger pokes and administering shots, but also now changing her diet, as well as pots and pans, to address both diseases.

“It gets better and easier as you go,” Dave added. “We’re not back to pre-diagnosis days, but we’re getting closer.”

Beginning kindergarten this fall, Ellie finds comfort in sleeping with Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes, every night, along with competitive dance and swimming. In fact, since her diagnosis, her family has seen an improvement in both activeness and mood.

This year Ellie’s family, friends and neighbors will rally together as Team Ellie at JDRF One Walk – Dexter on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017 at Hudson Mills Metropark.

By joining JDRF One Walk today, you’ll support research for life-changing breakthroughs to make it safer and easier to live with T1D, until there is a cure.