Chante’lae is a TAFT Hero

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.

About our Hero of the Month

Each month, CDTC staff nominate one of our children as our Hero of the Month. These special boys and girls are heroes in our eyes. They show strength, perseverance, determination and a positive outlook while facing great challenges.

Their stories are powerful and heartwarming and reflect the impact CDTC and you, our community, has on their daily lives.

Thank You to
Our Sponsor

A trip to our Clinic is more than just a doctor’s visit to a child with special healthcare needs.

But, insurance doesn’t cover everything. That’s why your gift is so important.