I have been part of the Corinth Holders Marching Pirates for going on four seasons and I have had type one diabetes for nearly all of them. I was diagnosed on September 11, 2015 at the very start of my freshman year and first season. Marching with type one is the hardest thing I have done during my time with this disease but my struggles will be that last thing that will stop me from doing what I love.
Before my diagnosis, we blamed the symptoms on marching band….Losing an unholy amount of weight? Oh, it’s because of all the exercise! Dizzy after running before full ensemble? It’s just your body getting used to the constant movement. Why do you have stacks of water bottles on your night stand after camp is over? You’re just thirsty after a hard day’s work! Extremely tired and sad? That’s just what comes with the exercise!
Needless to say, we were wrong about my rollercoaster of emotions and weight change and I thank marching band for allowing us to pick out those symptoms. Every person on the field stretches, runs, dances, and more all while playing and holding up an instrument which can take a toll on my –and anyone’s for that matter– blood sugars.
Sitting on the sideline while I fix my lows and listening to the band play is the hardest part of being a marcher with type one diabetes. As much as I have pushed myself through numerous lows to continue to march and have been told that it’s okay to take the time I need to take care of myself, I still struggle with having to put my part of rehearsal on pause while everyone else is still working hard. Despite my sideline sadness, continuing to perform past and through my diagnosis was the best decision I have made.
I have gained not only lows from marching band but amazing and supportive friends that always make sure I’m smiling and that I am proud to call my family. Without these group of kids, I don’t know if I would have the confidence to start Type Everyone or even speak out about type one diabetes; I would be a completely different person. Marching with type one has shown me that I am so much stronger than I think and can achieve my goals despite the highs and lows of my journeys (pun intended).
I thank those who make me laugh to wipe the tears from lows away or simply give me a warm “you got it!” smile, type one diabetes for proving my strength to me, and for the crazy amount of support I receive from the ensemble. My diagnosis changed my life but marching band has done so much more.
Picture Credit: Joey Montes
Type Everyone. 28 likes. Type Everyone is a support system for teens with Type One Diabetes in the 8th-12th grade. We would meet for fun, ad
