Chante’lae has been coming to CDTC since she was a baby, but it wasn’t until she was eight-years-old that she was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes.

Our very own Dr. Lafrance referred her to Broward Health’s Emergency Department after a visit. She was worried because Chante’lae’s weight had dropped drastically in a very short period of time. The hospital diagnosed her condition. From then on Chante’lae’s care and daily routines became focused on managing her Diabetes.

Working with her endocrinologist Dr. Blanco and her CDTC Care team, Chante’lae remains healthy. She takes insulin everyday and maintains a careful diet to control her sugar levels. Sometimes she wishes she could eat like everyone else and not worry. But, the seventeen-year-old understands that discipline is necessary.

Luckily, her family is supportive of her needs and efforts. They try not to buy foods that wouldn’t be good for her. Temptation out of the way, Chante’lae can focus on measuring her food and adhering to a strict diet to maintain her health.

Currently part of the TAFT Program, Chante’lae knows the time is fast approaching when she will have to move on from her familiar physicians and providers. It’s daunting, but the family is working together with her CDTC Care Team to prepare for the transition to adult healthcare providers.

Managing her Diabetes takes time and care, but this teenager continues to look beyond just her medical needs. She is doing well in high school and her current plans are to go to college to become a veterinarian.

Her family is proud of her – for how well she does in school; for the fact that she always tries her best; and for how well she faces and manages her dietary needs and medical condition.

Her dedication to her care and future makes her our September Hero of the Month.