Ashley Alpert’s Post

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EVP, Strategy at ndm | Board Member

It’s been a little over two months since my 11-year old son was abruptly and quite traumatically diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Adjusting to his “new normal” has been an incredibly humbling reminder of patience and perseverance. As we’ve navigated through this, there’s been some key lessons learned. The more I’ve reflected on the below, the more I realized that these extend beyond my personal life and can be applied to my professional life as well. Here's what the last few months have reminded me: 1. We cannot become experts overnight. The pressure I’ve put on myself to learn everything I can about this disease simply isn’t feasible in a mere two months. It takes time to become an expert in anything – a whopping 10,000 hours according to Malcom Gladwell – and we need to give ourselves more grace with learning curves 2. Focus on progress, not perfection. I’ve been so fixated on him staying in range of his blood glucose but have realized perfection isn’t a reality with T1D. We do the best we can with the information we have, and any miscalculations can be calibrated with some extra insulin... or a scoop (or two) of ice cream 😉 3. Trust your gut. I knew something wasn't right in the weeks leading up to his eventual diagnosis. The doctors thought it was a stomach bug and said to come back in a few days if he wasn't better. Less than 24 hours later we took him back in, insisting they draw labs. He was in DKA and immediately taken via ambulance where he was hospitalized for 3 days 4. Learn to accept help. It’s true what they say. It takes a Village, especially in times of a crisis. There is no I in Team. You don’t need to be a hero and try to solve it all on your own. Lean into your allies, leverage resources, and ask questions! (Shoutout to Breakthrough T1D for being an incredible resource and research advocacy foundation) 5. Don’t take the first 'no' as the final answer. Shortly after Jonah’s diagnosis, the camp he spends a month at each summer said it was too soon in his T1D journey for him to safely attend this year. After many conversations, consultations, and letters of recommendation from his endocrinologist and school nurse – I was able to successfully advocate for him to go to camp. Thrilled to say he left on Monday to enjoy a safe, full month at his happy place! Being a parent of a child with T1D can be challenging, emotional and exhausting, but there have also been moments of immense joy and connection. Here's to facing challenges head-on and finding the sweet spot in life.  #t1d #type1diabetes #T1Dawareness #breakthroughT1D

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Jonathan Cubillo

Business Optimization Manager II @ Profit Recovery Partners

2w

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes the week of my 12th birthday. My mother and I cried together in the car. We were both scared of what the future held but had faith we would figure it out. My siblings were also fearful. My father was the most level-headed and assured me I would still live a fulfilled life. He was right! It gets better. Way better! Managing T1D is like taking care of my teeth now. I don't see it as a chore. It's just a part of my life. I still played every sport I wanted to. Have taken every trip I wanted to. And pursued all the passions my heart has desired. And my mother (now retired in another country) still gets on me about doctor's appointments lol. I know you and Jonah will thrive!

Lindsey Daugherty

Senior Living Unicorn| Bridge the Gap Ambassador| Branding Enthusiast| Result Optimizer| Innovative Leader| Tech Fan| Community and Culture Synergizer

2w

I was going to mention JDRF as well. My husband is T1D diagnosed at a super young age. I have pre screened my children for the antibody and my son is positive but not active, this just means he is at risk. Juvenile T1D is an adjustment for your son and you I am sure. There is a lot of support/ resources/ research out there to tap in to. My husband has thrived and is the most resilient and adventurous human I know. Sending positive vibes and prayers for a peaceful adjustment and learning process.

My sister was diagnosed with T1D when she was 17 years old... it came out of no where with no trace of it on either side of my family. At that age she felt so different from everyone else despite what my family told her. Her friends rallied around her and it was so amazing to see. They friends would fight over who would give her her bedtime shot on the school bus on the way home from basketball games. Technology has come a long ways with T1D and my sister now as the same setup as your son! It's a long journey with a lot of ups and downs but what makes him different is what makes him unique! If he ever needs a friend or someone to talk to please let me know and I would be happy to put him in touch with my sister. Also if you need a great endocrinologist in the DFW area ever I have a recommendation for both adult and pediatric! :)

Alex Unruh

Technical Recruiter specializing in global talent acquisition and HRIS expertise

2w

My son was diagnosed just a few years ago at the age of 2! It takes time. I remember getting released from the hospital with him and immediately wanting to throw all of our food away and start fresh. The overwhelming feeling of fixing everything all at once was challenging for me. Take it day by day. Also, if you haven't already, check out the Juicebox podcast! (https://www.juiceboxpodcast.com/juicebox-podcast) There are also great groups on Facebook for caregivers and parents of kids with T1D! There's even a local KC one and they do meet-ups. My inbox is always open, too! We are a Dexcom and Omnipod fam.

Suzanne Shaw

Senior Community & Advocacy Manager | B2B Sales Expert | Training Specialist | Strategic Leadership | Driving AI-Powered Growth | Wrangling Kids & Goats (in my “free” time)

2w

Thank you so much for sharing! One of my dear friends had TWO kids diagnosed with T1D within 6 months of each other (10 YO boy and then 14 YO girl who was also diagnosed with celiacs) Watching her navigate all of these things, with two different kids, I would say she absolutely would validate everything you posted! Sending so much love to these T1D pre-teens and teens, and to their parents navigating the stressors and challenges that come with it 💙

Luke Casey

Novis Health of Overland Park

2w

So glad to hear you found Breakthrough T1D! My wife, Megan Casey, works there and is also T1D. We and the T1D community are here if you ever want to talk or get involved with community events.

Meagan Rohan

Vice President of Sales | Enterprise Business Development | Senior Living | Senior Housing | Cloud Technologies & SaaS | Client Partnerships | Nutrition Consulting Solutions

2w

I am a T1D and happy to chat anytime! I am also on Omnipod and the DexcomG6! Reach out anytime!

Vincent McKamie, MBA

Assistant Athletics Director - Academic and Career Counseling at Kansas Athletics, Inc

2w

Thanks for the post Ashley. Those are all great reminders! Please let Jonah know I am thinking about him. I hope camp is an amazing experience.

Kane Marschall

President at Living Right LLC dba Good People / Certified Optimist

2w

Thank you to sharing, Ashley. Prayers and support always for Team Alpert! Best wishes for the best month ever at “happy camp”!!!

Maribeth Jenkins

CEO and Data Strategist at Sabal Group

2w

Great advice and perspective. My niece went through this two summers ago at age 16. My sister has immersed herself in T1D research. I am happy to share her information if you have any questions or need advice or support. I can tell you it does get easier.

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