April 27, 2017 – Hollywood, FL – A #T1DSuperhero might not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but those with type 1 diabetes take heroic actions every single day to conquer the challenges of living with this disease. On April 28, National Superhero Day, which honors real and fictional role models, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) pays tribute to T1D superheroes—those who live with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the families, friends, and caregivers who support them.
As part of the tribute, the DRIF is calling on those who want to raise awareness about this disease and the need to find a cure to change their social media profile pictures to a special #T1DSuperhero graphic. The colorful image has “I’m a #T1DSuperhero” emblazoned across
it in comic book style, and is available now for free download at DiabetesResearch.org/image/T1DSuperhero.jpg.
“A superhero to me…is me, because I can deal with diabetes and it’s hard,” says Katie Ashkin, 8, of Long Island, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 6. Ashkin is featured in a newly released public service announcement (PSA) that helps raise awareness about the immense challenges those with diabetes face in managing the disease on a daily basis, likening them–and the Diabetes Research Institute scientists who are working to find a cure–to real superheroes.
“There is a little superhero in all of us,” says Edra Tepper of Oyster Bay Cove, NY, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult. Tepper describes living with a chronic disease like diabetes as a “day-to-day struggle,” acknowledging that for children it can be even more of a battle. “It can take away the carefree nature of just being a kid.”