Help Micah Return to Friends for Life—Where He Learned He Wasn’t Alone

Our Story

Hi, I’m Shanita, a proud single mom to my incredible son, Micah. We are a Type 1 diabetes family, and our lives changed forever in January 2024 when Micah was diagnosed after severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) stopped his heart and nearly took his life. By God’s grace, he survived.

Since then, our days have revolved around insulin, blood sugar checks, carb counting, sleepless nights, and the constant responsibility of keeping my little boy safe. Type 1 diabetes doesn’t take a day off.

One of my biggest fears wasn’t just the diagnosis—it was that Micah would grow up feeling different and alone.

Finding Friends for Life

Then we found the Children with Diabetes Friends for Life Conference.

This past July 2026, we were blessed with the opportunity to attend Friends for Life in Orlando, and it truly changed our lives.

For the first time since his diagnosis, Micah was surrounded by hundreds of children who understood exactly what he was going through. He saw kids confidently wearing insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, laughing, learning, and living full, happy lives. For the first time, he realized he wasn’t the only one.

Every morning, he couldn’t wait to get to class. He was so excited that he told me it felt like he was going to a new school just for kids with Type 1 diabetes. As his mom, hearing those words after everything he’d been through brought tears to my eyes.

The Impact

The impact didn’t end when the conference was over.

Before Friends for Life, Micah was nervous about transitioning to an insulin pump. After spending the week learning alongside other children and seeing how confidently they managed their diabetes, everything changed. The confidence and sense of security he gained gave him the courage to make the switch. Today, he embraces his diabetes with a confidence I once prayed he would have.

Friends for Life didn’t just teach Micah about diabetes—it gave him confidence, hope, lifelong friendships, and a community where he truly belongs.

It changed me, too. I learned from world-renowned diabetes experts, connected with parents who understand this journey, and gained knowledge that helps me care for my son every single day.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Our dream is to return to Friends for Life in 2027, but as a single mom, the cost of registration, travel, lodging, meals, and transportation is more than I can afford.

If you choose to support our journey, you’re doing so much more than helping us attend a conference. You’re helping Micah continue building confidence, independence, and friendships with children who remind him that Type 1 diabetes does not define his future.

Giving Back

If we’re blessed with the opportunity to attend again, we’d love to give back by volunteering wherever we’re needed. This community has poured so much into our family, and it would be an honor to serve other families walking this same path.

Whether you’re able to donate or simply share our story, thank you for taking the time to read it and for believing in Micah.

Thank you for helping write the next chapter of his story.

With love and gratitude,

Shanita & Micah ❤️