Children With Diabetes 2009 – Disney World

CWD Orlando 09- Truly the best event for children with diabetes anywhere on earth. This year we were back at Disney Worlds Coronado Springs Hotel in Orlando Florida.  The week was spent reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.  Every year I am touched by the passion and desire for knowledge each of these young adults possess.  I was honored to spend my time with them and I look forward to next year!  Last year I was asked to slow it down because I was running kids into the ground racing from ride to ride. This year I was having to race just to keep up with them

Part of the crew from Children with Diabetes Friends For Life 2009 - Maryam, Sarah, Abdullah ... some of the best kids you’ll meet anywhere.

One of the coolest and sweetest kids I met … Max is unashamed to show his guns and ready to fight the good fight.  So many of these events present hearts full of life and hope regardless of having to deal with such a problem. Part of the problem for all of us is the physical aspects of diabetes but the emotional side is difficult too. Sometimes it’s very difficult. It’s hard on children because it’s sometimes difficult to identify your feelings when your central nervous system and brain are trying to maintain a stable range. Most of us who have had diabetes for a while have acclimated the the changes but it isn’t easy, especially when you’re younger or newly diagnosed.

Max and I - Flex Max!

There is only one Miss America in my life – Nicole Johnson – 1999 Miss America.

Nicole Johnson (1999 Miss America) and I

There is only one kind of fun food – chocolate ice cream! Both were @ Disney World!  Nicole seems a little taller than I am but it’s because there was a downward angle on the camera lens or maybe it was the sloping angle of the floor :0  We all had a great time with others at Disney’s Boardwalk and walking around Downtown Disney too.  Nicole has done more to change the face of diabetes than anyone else I know.  Tireless advocate, happy mom and she said nothing about the chocolate ice cream cone I was devouring.  Playing with kids all day and keeping up with all the athletes lets you eat things like this without worry, at least occasionally.  This picture was taken at the Seashore Sweets Candy Shop on Disney World’s Boardwalk.  The shop had pictures of every Miss America on their walls.  From 1921 to present, everyone was there.  Nicole’s picture was up on the wall but she never pointed it out.  I would have had a laser emanating from my necklace to my picture frame if that was me   Nicole asked the management to place a picture of me winning the Mr. USA on their wall. We’ll see if it’s up next year!

What can I say?

I Was Crowned!