T.J.
TJ was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August 2017 at the age of four. The youngest of four boys, his mother, Shannon, noticed he was drinking and urinating way more often. Shannon had hypoglycemia when she was younger and always keeps a glucose monitor in the house. He was 471.
“I'll never forget that number,” she said. “I called the pediatrician, who told me to pack a bag for the both of us, and get to the ER.” The following three days and nights were spent at UMass Memorial in Worcester. “It was a whirlwind. My husband and I were sleep deprived and scared as we were learning how to check his blood, draw up insulin, and inject him,” she said. “TJ was such a trooper and never complained about all the shots or any of it.” She told him that he is sick inside and they were learning how to fix it.
Leaving the hospital, Shannon was worried about how she was going to keep her son alive and healthy. "It gets better and easier with time," she said. "Just when you think you can’t, you make it work.”
Ironically, Shannon comes from a family of nurses, but never wanted to become a nurse, because she doesn’t like shots!
School
When TJ started full day Kindergarten, his numbers were good. Both of his school nurses had students with diabetes in the past, but TJ was their youngest. Shannon provided an iPod for the nurses’ office to monitor his CGM. They check his sugars before lunch and snacks. His teacher’s assistant was a retired nurse who accompanied him to all of his Specials. Shannon was invited on all field trip, however, one of the two nurses would always attend if needed.
On November 14th, World Diabetes Day, his teachers invited all students to wear blue to support TJ. He wore blue and colored his hair blue every Friday in November for National Diabetes Month.
Sports & Activities
As an 11 year old, TJ plays hockey & lacrosse and enjoys swimming, and hiking with his Dad. His blood sugar drops when he's active, so they cover him with extra carbs. He loves ice fishing but must be careful since cold weather can lower blood sugars.
Advice for Parents
Shannon's advice to parents of newly diagnosed T1D children is to find a support group and reach out for as much help and guidance as possible.
The UMass Memorial Pediatric Care Team
“They’re always available to help you,” Shannon says. “Any time, day or night. They've never made me feel like I’m bothering them. The diabetes educators and nurses have been wonderful.”
She appreciates the help and encouragement TJ's care team provides. “They've been there for us every step of the way and can talk me through any issue. We never feel like we’re alone.”
TJ was a shy boy when but he connected with endocrinologist Dr. Leslie Soyka right away. “She’s very soft spoken, kind and easy going, and she’s very good with TJ. I can't say enough good things about his entire care team.”
He became much more social due to the many interactions with his care team and caregivers. They get to see his silly, funny, and larger than life personality.
Day to Day
“If he’s below 100, I don’t let him take the bus. I pick him up instead,” said Shannon. The entire UMass Memorial Diabetes Center of Excellence is proud of TJ and his family for his successful diabetes management and daily care.
When four year old TJ was asked about his diabetes, he said, “I take shots because my pancreas broke. I’m still regular.”
