Sincerely Yours

The appointment with my pediatrician was brief because the signs were unmistakable. I had type 1 diabetes. My next stop was Cincinnati Children’s where I spent the next four days learning how to manage a disease I will have the rest of my life.

I consider myself lucky. I was diagnosed with one of the most manageable diseases in medicine – one that research is making great strides toward discovering a cure. I was also exposed to one of the most inspiring places I’ve ever been – Cincinnati Children’s.

During my stay, smiling nurses, excited interns and incredibly intelligent doctors were at my bedside. The experience quickly became less scary and more of a learning opportunity. And it wasn’t long before they had me back at school and back to the things I love, like photography.

Cincinnati Children’s has inspired me. Now, I’m volunteering at the medical center and looking for other ways I can give back and honor the bravery and courage I saw within its walls. I’m really proud to be one of the thousands and thousands of success stories of this incredible hospital.

− Chris Shoemaker