Cara, Former Children’s Congress Delegate, Represents Team USA
in Awareness, Management
I can’t believe today is finally here! My team and I are flying to Switzerland to represent our country as Team USA at the Neuchâtel Trophy. It has been years in the making and we are thrilled to have our dream come true!
Many of you know me, but for those who do not, my name is Cara Gabriel, I am 16 years old and I am a synchronized figure skater with the Fond du Lac Blades Junior Team. This is my 4th year with the Blades, but I have been skating since I was about 5 years old on our lake up north. After many years of lessons and US Figure Skating tests, I can now also say I am a member of Team USA.
As you can imagine, a lot of preparation has gone in to achieving this dream. For me, more preparation than most people can imagine…at the age of 10, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Over the years I have learned how to manage my blood sugar while skating (up to 16 hours a week), although it hasn’t been easy. I’ve learned to rely on the ‘team behind the team’ to help me. Preparation for this ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ started early this past summer, when on ice and off ice practices started to become more frequent and more intense. Weekly downloads to the diabetes clinic and bi-monthly visits with the nutritionist is what I needed to re-manage my numbers during heavier training times. Testing, logging, weighing, calculating! Even, today, adjustments I need to make came via email, as I leave!
Preparing for this trip, also meant that I had to get a Therapeutic Use Exemption from the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
Humalog is a medication that needs prior approval, in the event that I am chosen for a random drug screening. Proving that I have type 1 diabetes and that no other form of treatment is possible can only be proved thru submission of my many medical records.
In many ways, I feel prepared for this trip! I have my necessary travel documents and packed my supplies and snacks on my carry-on and I have my skates!
I know what to expect on the ice and I know I have to expect some challenges regarding the huge time change, traveling and maybe even food choices.
Either way, I know with preparation, I can look forward to an ‘opportunity of a lifetime’.
Cara Gabriel ????⛸