Keith | Timaru, Canterbury

“Around the age of five, turning six, I was diagnosed with severe Type 1 Diabetes. I was in hospital for a couple of months, and the night it happened I was getting out of bed and going to the bathroom, and I had passed out in front of the shower.

My dad found me at like three in the morning, and took me to hospital, and I had tests done, and everything. I was diagnosed with Diabetes. I guess over time you get used to it. It becomes a thing where no matter what, it’s just there. So, it’s hard to ignore, and it’s really important to take care of yourself. A lot of stuff can happen, and you really just never know when it will, or what will happen, it’s difficult. There’s a lot of stuff to remember and do, and I just have to be really cautious about everything. It’s just a matter of acceptance. Really just accepting that through life and all this, you’re going to go through some tough times and some good times, and it’s just a matter of just evolving to be able to get through it. Just being honest is good, and if you want to get your mind off anything, then just find hobbies that you like doing. It helps a lot. Sometimes I’ll go for a skate. Or I’ll just listen to music if I’m down.

For anyone else who has been diagnosed, just know that we’re all still the same. We’re all humans. Just do take care of yourself, because it can be really tough, and hard if you’re not taking your insulin, or checking your finger. It’s a difficult thing, but you can get through it.

I have always lived in Timaru. I was born here, raised here. I haven’t been out of the South Island at all. I’m not too sure what I want to do yet. I guess I’ll just see what happens, but moving to Aussie is one thing I’d like to do eventually, or just travel, really.”