American Diabetes Association: The King And I

The King And I
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
By: Mallory Julien

My fiance, Stephen was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 8 years ago...

My fiance, Stephan, was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes 8 years ago and has been putting up a tough fight with the disease every day since. When diagnosed, he weighed in at around 220 lbs. He was an active kid, playing football, participating in track, and getting involved in many other activities throughout his high school career. After high school, he went on to enrolling in junior college. He was living his life as normal as anyone else, other than the fact that he WASN'T 'normal' like everyone else. He began losing drastic weight, but still fought and stayed as active in his job and social life as possible. In the year that we've been together, he's battled this disease more than ever. For the past 7 months, he's been in and out of numerous hospitals every three to four weeks. He's at the point where he can barely eat without getting sick, he's so weak that he can hardly maintain a part-time job, and has slowly become very 'down' about his condition. He gets very easily upset about the fact that it's not fair (which it really isn't) and how hard it is to accept this every day when he really puts forth 100% of what his body can do to stay as healthy as possible. He's a wonderful person, soulmate, friend, and companion. He would give just about anyone his last bite of food and go hungry. I love him with all of my heart and I will NEVER leave his side. I'm also really pleased about finding this "Walk for Diabetes", so that he can see that he's not the only one in this world that has to battle this awful condition. There was very little I knew about diabetics when coming into this relationship, but I've learned that some have no problem in life, and that others fight every day to make it through... and Stephan is one of those people -- the fighters. He has and always will be a fighter, but he's really losing motivation and I really want to make this walk worth while and show him that there's so many people that care and that are willing to help. He now weighs in at about 138 lbs. His vision is also going downhill. But you know what?? HE'S STILL FIGHTING!! So, to whoever is reading this --- if you are a diagnosed diabetic: God is watching you. He will never STOP watching you and He never gives you anything in this world that you can't handle. Keep your head up and know that there are so many people out there with your same condition that understand and care about you. For those that aren't diabetic: Lets show these wonderful people how much we care and how much we're willing to help. Lets make this walk the best yet and show the support that everyone out there needs from us, especially my soulmate, my best friend, MY KING.

God bless to all
-Mallory-