My name is Hazel Austin, and I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes at 8 years old. Type One means staying strong when you are weak, and living life with intention, honesty, and bravery. I work to be authentic, embracing my disease as part of what makes me unique and teaches me compassion, acceptance, and patience.  With all the frustrations and challenges diabetes has presented I am still very grateful for all the opportunities it has blessed me with. It has given me my companion and guardian Echo, my Diabetic alert dog. It has introduced me to an amazing community of other type ones and their families. Like Wise type one diabetes keeps me present in the moment to appreciate the little things, the good things, that are happening around us all the time.   I make a difference while advocating for Type One speaking to government officials about Insulin cost.  I am a high school student working to become a veterinarian eventually.  I love horses, That's my horse, Jake.  I also love to keep a pulse on the strides being made to manage and cure diabetes, as well as, watch how the healthcare, pharmaceutical, insurance companies, and governments are influencing our care.  When I am not studying, I am creating.  I use art to heal.  The act of creating is my safe space, it is my voice and my wisdom. My parents are chefs and I think I got a little of their genes because I also love to create recipes that don't spike my blood sugar!

The Type One community gives me hope, it wraps me with understanding and it gives me drive. I have the drive to help others living with Type One. I am excited to use my artwork to educate those who don't know about type one and to put a smile on the faces of those of us who do. When I was diagnosed with this disease I am lucky that my whole family took it on with me. I might have a Lazy Pancreas but the rest of me and my family more than makeup for that! Type One Diabetes is my "best friend" and I hope one day there is a cure, but at the moment why would I stop doing something I love?

I hope you enjoy my art, stories, and recipes along the way.  Love Hazel