Marking November: Raising Awareness, Celebrating a Diaversary, and Building Community

Hey, friends! As November arrives, I feel that familiar mix of reflection, gratitude, and action. Not only is it National Diabetes Awareness Month, but it’s also my personal diaversary — the anniversary of my diagnosis with type one diabetes (T1D).

I don’t view my diagnosis like a celebration of diabetes, but rather as an occasion to honor my journey, acknowledge the bravery (yes, bold word) that comes with living with T1D, and to bring the T1D community and the broader world together in awareness, support, and action.

Honoring My Diaversary: My Family’s Way of Recognizing Bravery

Over the years, my family and I have developed our own little tradition for this month. We don’t throw a party for the diagnosis itself, but we do something meaningful to mark the milestone and the resilience it represents.

One year I dyed my hair a bright blue, a fun visual reminder that T1D is part of me, but it doesn’t define my whole story. Another year, we took a trip together (time away helps reset, connect, and give thanks for the love and support around me). We’ve also hosted movie nights, invited the T1D community or friends to join, ironically kept the snacks (sort of) T1D-friendly, and shared stories about what it’s like to live with T1D. This year, I’m excited to continue the tradition, leaning into outreach and community connection as part of marking the diaversary.

Marking Diabetes Awareness Month (and Why It Matters to All of Us)

November’s Diabetes Awareness Month gives a spotlight to the world of diabetes. For me, and for many in the T1D community, it’s not just about acknowledging that “Yes, diabetes exists” but about understanding the difference between type one and type two diabetes (which is often what most people think of when they hear “diabetes”).

T1D is not a lifestyle-caused disease. It’s autoimmune, and it requires daily vigilance, reminders, devices, glucose checks, insulin, and sometimes serious complications from routine illnesses. Yet, often the myths and misconceptions linger. So many people think “diabetes” is one thing, when actually there are very different types, experiences, and needs.

When the people around us — family, friends, co-workers, teachers, even strangers — understand T1D, we’re safer. They can help, respond, support, and see beyond stereotypes. But in truth, isn’t that kind of awareness and empathy helpful for everyone moving through life? Whether you live with a chronic condition or you don’t, awareness builds connection.

Joining in Two Special Author Events

I’m thrilled to share two upcoming events. I hope you’ll come, bring a friend, and help spread the word. Here’s a hint: A= “Action,” B= “Bravery,” C= “Community… You get the idea. I’ll be reading my alphabet book, TYPE ONE DIABETES A-Z at two bookstores.

1. Barnes & Noble, Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with readings in the Children’s Department at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., 3055 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO
   Join us for an in-store fundraising event! Use the flyer given at entry when you check out to donate a percentage of your purchase to Tee 1 D Diabetes Foundation, serving type one diabetes families in the Ozarks. Come pick up a copy of TYPE ONE DIABETES A-Z, say hi, bring your questions, or have your young reader join the fun.

2. The Book Bridge, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, 2-3 p.m., 105 S. Commercial St., Downtown Branson, MO

Later this month, I’ll head to Branson’s charming and popular independent bookstore to share the story behind the story–why I wrote TYPE ONE DIABETES A-Z, how living with T1D shaped it, and how young readers (and their grown-ups) can develop resilience, empathy, and understanding, not just for T1D but for all kinds of challenges. If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there.

Tapping into the Power of Community (and Reaching Beyond It)

One of the most beautiful parts of living with T1D is the T1D community itself. The shared glucometer stories, the device mishaps, the “Oh, no, I forgot to bolus” humanness, the victories, and the setbacks. We bear witness to each other, we lift each other up, and we know we’re not alone.

But, community alone isn’t enough. We also need to reach outside the walls of the community. We need to talk to people who don’t live with T1D, who may not even know someone who does, who hold misconceptions (“You must have done something wrong,” “Why can’t you just take a pill?,” “Can you eat that?”). We need to engage educators, friends, employers, kids in school, and neighbors because when more people understand T1D, the environment becomes safer and more supportive for all of us.

I love thinking of this metaphor: Living with T1D is like being on a team—in many ways we have to play smart, we have to ask for help, we have to defend ourselves, and we have to cooperate. The home crowd, the fans, the support staff (family and friends) make a difference. As for the people who aren’t in the team but are in the stands, their education, their empathy, their awareness matters, too.

Doing What You Can

Since we’re in the awareness month already, here are a few small yet meaningful actions you (yes, you) can take:

• Share one fact about T1D on your social media this month: “Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, not caused by lifestyle.”
• If you know someone with T1D, ask them how you can support them (this month and beyond).
• Bring a young reader to the book reading or bookstore event, or if you’re remote, share the idea with your local bookstore to host a similar conversation.
• Ask your school to include some awareness info about T1D (or chronic conditions generally) in their newspaper, announcements, lunch and learns, etc.
• If you live with T1D (or are part of the community), mark your diaversary — even if quietly — and acknowledge your bravery. Bravery isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s simply continuing day after day.

Wrapping Up

Diabetes Awareness Month and my ninth diaversary mark a tine for reflecting on how far I’ve come, building connection, and taking action. I’m excited about the events, excited about the conversations we’ll have, and excited about the ripple effect of what can happen when a few more people understand T1D, when a few more kids feel seen, when a few more parents feel equipped, and when a few more community members become allies.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Whether you live with T1D, love someone who does, or are simply curious and ready to learn — you’re welcome here. Let’s raise awareness, bust myths, build resilience, and make this month meaningful together.

With gratitude and purpose,
Ellie