TAMMIN resident Kirsten Thomson, 15, faces many challenges in managing her type 1 diabetes and last week faced a new one as she put her sea legs to the test on Perth’s resident tall ship, The Leeuwin II.
Together with Georgia Egan, 14, also with the lifelong condition type 1 diabetes she was sponsored by Diabetes WA to sail on the Leeuwin Ultimate Challenge voyage for young people with limitations.
The voyage, during World Diabetes Day, November 14, encouraged the young crew to rise to the challenges of sailing a tall ship with tasks such as setting and handling sails, scrubbing the decks, taking the helm, galley duty and keeping watch at night.
“I feel as though I have really grown as a person and I have been so inspired by all of the people I shared the voyage with,” Kirsten said.
She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes days before her second birthday.
“I have made some lifelong friends and I want to thank Diabetes WA so much for granting me this amazing opportunity.
“Diabetes is invisible, so you don’t look sick.”
While she was able to manage her diabetes well on the voyage she had to be cautious as vigorous activity, such as climbing ropes and late night watches, could affect her blood glucose levels.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas stops producing insulin and therefore cannot process the energy needed to fuel the body’s cells.
Managing the condition includes a 24 hour regime of insulin injections, blood glucose testing and counting carbohydrates, all of which can be overwhelming, especially for young people.
“My favourite activity would have to have been climbing to the top of the 33 metre main mast, and also helping with the hauling up of the sails , purely because it was a new challenge and it intrigued me,” she said.
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation marketing communications manager Ashleigh Tapper said Kirsten and Georgia were excellent ambassadors during the Leeuwin’s Ultimate Challenge voyage for young people living with type 1 diabetes.
“Both girls embraced not only their own personal challenges but also tackled every challenge aboard the voyage with incredibly positive attitudes, learning a lot about themselves and others along the way,” she said.
If you are interested in helping fund a place for a young person with type 1 diabetes to attend next year’s voyage, contact community@diabeteswa.com.au or phone Deanne on 9436 6204.