Rachael Celine @thechronicallyillest has been living with Type 1 Diabetes since she was 12 years young. Rachael launched thechronicallyillest with the intent to fight diabetes and chronic illness stigma, foster REAL community an,d create unapologetic products for those who are sicker than the average!

From the age of 12, Rachael has been the captain of her diabetes ship, and 20 years later, she continues to keep little Ray Ray afloat while giving hope to other young people and their caregivers that living with diabetes today can be better than anything of the past.

Bebe⁠ is a resilient woman who has lived with type 1 diabetes since her diagnosis at age six in 1982. Despite early warnings of severe complications, she took charge of her condition, managing her insulin independently. Her family, especially her grandmother, supported her understanding of diabetes. Against medical advice, Bebe became a mother, raising her children while managing her health. She faced complications like retinopathy, requiring retina surgery, but remained proactive and hopeful. Bebe's story is one of perseverance, highlighting self-advocacy and community support in living with a chronic illness.

Follow Bebe on instagram ⁠@iamimanistarcor

Bebe is a resilient woman who has lived with type 1 diabetes since her diagnosis at age six in 1982. Despite early warnings of severe complications, she took charge of her condition, managing her insulin independently. Her family, especially her grandmother, supported her understanding of diabetes. Against medical advice, Bebe became a mother, raising her children while managing her health. She faced complications like retinopathy, requiring retina surgery, but remained proactive and hopeful. Bebe's story is one of perseverance, highlighting self-advocacy and community support in living with a chronic illness.

Follow Bebe on instagram @iamimanistarcor

Dr. Paidamoyo Katsande joins us from the UK by way of Zimbabwe. Since Paida was a small girl she had dreams of helping Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is her heart. Dr. Paidamoyo is a research scientist and dedicated a great part of her career in T1D research for a cure to help those impacted at home.

Growing up in Zimbabwe, she moved to the UK at eight years old, carrying with her a childhood dream of becoming a doctor. She wanted to contribute to improving people’s quality of life.

Coming from a community with limited healthcare resources, Paidamoyo saw how reduced access to diagnostics and education could leave people undiagnosed or struggling to manage their conditions. Those observations sparked a lifelong desire to raise awareness and pursue science that makes a tangible difference.

Paida has PhD in molecular biology and Immunology. While I’m not a medical doctor, her work focuses on the science that can lead to groundbreaking treatments for type 1 diabetes and prostate cancer.

Beyond the lab: A researcher’s journey to tackling type 1 diabetes | Breakthrough T1D UK

Follow Dr. Katsande on instagram @dr.paidayourfavscientist

On this episode, we hear from Ricky. He hails from Brooklyn, New York, and was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in 1992 at the age of 3 and spent the next year in a coma while hospitalized. Ricky spent his 4th birthday in the hospital.

Early on, he would hear medical professionals say things, such as that he wouldn't make it. Ricky struggled a lot as a kid with mean adults

Ricky has become a prominent figure in the diabetic

community. He is not only a survivor but also an advocate, martial artist, and father, using his experiences to inspire others.

Ricky has endured many complications with diabetes, including losing full vision at one point, but even that couldn't stop him!

Get to know Ricky t1dknight

In this episode we get to meet Cam @cam_simply and engage in a heartfelt conversation, where we discuss the importance of community and representation within the diabetes online community (DOC), particularly for people of color. Cam shares his personal journey with type 1 diabetes, highlighting the challenges and triumphs he has faced since his diagnosis at age nine. The conversation touches on themes of advocacy, the evolution of diabetes management, and the significance of finding a supportive community. Cam and Will reflect on their shared experiences and the impact of their work in fostering a more inclusive and informed space for those living with diabetes.

In this episode, we hear from Elijah (@elyja_), who has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 21 years since being diagnosed at age 11. We explore his T1D journey, reflecting on the challenges and growth that have come with managing the condition over the years. The discussion touches on the emotional and psychological impacts of diabetes, the value of community support, and the advancements in diabetes management technology. Elijah shares personal stories about his experiences, the support he’s received from his family, and his hopes for a future cure. This episode highlights resilience, adaptability, and the power of sharing one’s story to inspire and educate others. Elijah is truly someone worth knowing in the Diabetic Online Community and beyond. Follow him on Instagram @elyja_

CWP host Willie Streets shares his life with T1D plus everything else.