The Power of the Hashtag

Now this week’s discussion? Social media for activism? Oh honey, your girl has been waiting for this one. You know I’ve seen it all—advocacy for domestic violence survivors, children in developing countries, disabilities—you name it. And that’s the beauty of it: there’s no limit to what you can champion online. But one cause that hits home for me? #TypeOne, baby. That’s Type One Diabetes, in case you didn’t know. 

I was diagnosed back in late 2000, and let me tell you—those Kool-Aid Bursts other kids got at snack time? Not for me. My sweet teacher would go full Code Red if she saw me reach for one (bless her heart, she meant well). Back then, there was zero visibility. I knew, like, maybe three other people who had it—and good luck finding someone my age. 

Now I did get to go to Lion’s Camp (aka Diabetes Camp), and before you throw shade—don’t. That camp was rockin’. I gave myself my very first shot there and felt like a total boss. But not every kid gets that kind of support system or chance to connect with others who truly get it. That’s where social media swoops in like a superhero with a CGM. 

These days, I follow tons of fellow T1Ds on TikTok—seeing how they manage life, tech, and blood sugar chaos in real-time. It’s empowering. It’s educational. And it’s building the kind of community I wish I had growing up. So yes, while social media gets its fair share of side-eyes, this right here? This is one of the good things. 💙  

Did you know Nick Jonas wrote a song when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes?  

Jonas Brothers - Topic. (2025, May 14). A Little Bit Longer. YouTube.                               https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uqB80mxisE&list=RD_uqB80mxisE