A story from our community shared in the words of Natalie the mother of Savannah. We hope you can connect with their story and we want to thank them both so much for getting in touch to share what they’ve been through. It’s an incredibly powerful post and we hope you all can resonate with their experiences… Over to you Natalie:
“At the tender age of six, Savannah’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I remember the day like it was yesterday. Savannah was struggling to breathe, and her energy seemed to have vanished into thin air. With a call to 111, followed by a swift ride in the ambulance with those flashing blue lights, we found ourselves at Northampton General Hospital. The journey was frightening, but little did we know, it was also the beginning of Savannah’s incredible resilience and bravery.
In the children’s ward, surrounded by compassionate nurses and caring doctors, Savannah began her journey of understanding and managing her diabetes. Despite the challenges she faced, Savannah’s optimism shone through like a beacon of hope. I’ll never forget the relief on her face when she discovered that even with diabetes, she could still indulge in her favourite breakfast of pancakes and Nutella and still play football! That smile of hers could light up the darkest of rooms!
As we returned home armed with needles, insulin, and bags full of information, we knew that our journey was just beginning. Learning to navigate the intricacies of managing diabetes was like embarking on a rollercoaster ride full of highs and lows. From monitoring her food intake to keeping an eye on her activity levels, Savannah showed incredible maturity beyond her years.
There were bumps along the road, and we found ourselves back in the hospital a couple of times. But through it all, the unwavering support of the Northampton Diabetes team kept us going. Their 24-hour support line became our lifeline, even during family holidays when we called our dedicated nurse for guidance.
Despite the challenges, Savannah never lost her spark. She faced each day with determination and grace, bravely enduring the countless injections and finger pricks that became a part of her daily routine. As a parent, I couldn’t help but marvel at her resilience and strength.
Savannah’s zest for life knew no bounds. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to pursue her passion of football with unwavering enthusiasm. From scoring goals on the football field with NN29 Titans in Podington to representing MK Dons, Savannah’s spirit remained unbreakable. Her recent achievement of reaching 100 goals for the Titans club is a testament to her tenacity and dedication. Her goal is to become a professional footballer and she is well on her way at the tender age of 8!
As Savannah’s journey continues, I am filled with awe and gratitude for the incredible young girl she has become. She is not just my daughter; she is my inspiration, my hero. And with that infectious smile of hers, she reminds me every day that no matter what challenges life may throw our way, we have the strength and courage to overcome them together. ”
Thank you so much again to Natalie and Savannah for sharing your experiences with us, and if you want to share your story to feature on our website, please do get in touch with pictures and videos!
Team TDFC
