After being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at nine years old, Bridget and her family were in search of a care team that could help support them as they navigated this new journey. That is when they landed at La Rabida Children’s Hospital.

“When we switched to La Rabida, it was like a whole new ball game. For my first appointment, we were there for 3 or 4 hours because we met with so many different people and learned so much about diabetes. We quickly realized that there was a lot more out there for me. I was capable of having a much more normal life than we initially thought,” explained Bridget. Under La Rabida’s care, Bridget learned everything she needed to know about her condition and started using a pump and sensor to help manage her diabetes day to day.

Bridget stayed under the care of La Rabida until she was in college and developed a close bond with her care team, including Rose Briars, ND, PNP-BC, CDE.

“It was always a warm welcome going to every appointment. She didn’t just follow you at your appointment, she followed you in your whole life. She knew what was going on. She knew what activities you were involved in, would check in on not just the diabetes side of you, but you as a whole person,” shared Bridget. “She reminded me that this is something that I have, and I have to deal with it, but it’s not the only thing about me and I can still live a life that’s just as full as everyone else’s.”

La Rabida left such a mark on Bridget that she wanted to come work aboard the S.S. La Rabida inpatient unit as an RN.

“I always wanted to work with kids. Being a kid that was in the healthcare setting a lot growing up, you learn a lot. I always wanted to be someone that could relate to the kids and say ‘I’ve been here. I’ve done this. You’re able to move forward and keep going.’”

Bridget has been a member of the La Rabida family since she was just nine years old and now her story comes full circle.

“Looking back, La Rabida provided me with every resource and all the education I could ever need to be able to be an independent adult and have a normal life that every kid wants to have. A big part of it was that they made sure I was able to handle the good days but also handle the bad days. By preparing me for those days, they were just small bumps in the road compared to the huge hurdles they could have been had I not been prepared.”

This story was featured in the March 2021 issue of eCurrents. Read the full issue here.