About Sam!

Hello people of the interwebs!
This here is the part where you get to know a little bit about me, the diabetes stuff, and the not so diabetes stuff...
I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on May 8th, 2001, when I was just 8 years old. I like to refer to that day as many things including, but not limited to: D-Day, Diaversary, Diabetic Birthday, and Ruby's Birthday (My diabetic teddy bear).
That day changed my life in an incredibly drastic way, a way that my fellow diabetic friends can relate to, and my friends with working pancreases cannot begin to imagine.
Although I loathe having diabetes most times, I am incredibly grateful for the community, friends, and strength it has given me. I wouldn't be the person I am today without it, and I also wouldn't have the friends that I now call family I have made at diabetes camp.
I once got to meet Bret Michaels. We talked about diabetes, and I gave him one of my "Team Sam" Walk to Cure Diabetes shirts. It was AWESOME.
I love animals. I have two dogs, three cats, a small flock of chickens, and a beautiful peacock named Percy. Oh, and a 13 year old brother... he counts as an animal, right? :)
I run my own business Artemis Hand Forged Jewelry. I make jewelry and accessories out of leather and copper. I am currently working on my medical/diabetic cuff line so we diabetics don't have to wear boring medical jewelry.
I also dabble in modeling, acting, and I plan on going to cosmetology school to perfect my skills in hair and make-up.
My mother is my best friend, my business partner, and my hero. She's been with me every step of the way. I'm pretty sure I could write an entire blog about how awesome this woman is. She has saved my life many times, and I'm so lucky to have her.

Pretty much, I'm a pretty busy young lady. Balancing a blooming career, a wonderful relationship, and a broken pancreas. One thing I'll never do... Surrender!