"I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 11 years old," Desirea recalls. The word "diabetes" filled her with fear. "I thought I was going to die. I'd never heard of diabetes before." Like many children, Desirea initially tried to hide her condition, facing a lifelong journey of blood sugar management and insulin injections.
What makes Desirea's story unordinary is her understanding of the emotional toll of diabetes. "Every single thing affects your blood sugar," she explains. "Mood, weather, sickness… you never know what your day is going to be." This unpredictability creates unique challenges, impacting mental health. Desirea's journey highlights the importance of addressing the emotional aspects of chronic disease, a need Novo Nordisk recognizes and supports through various community programs.
Where others might see limitation, Desirea discovered resilience. "This is a battle I fight every day, and I am trying my best, like 100%," she shares. "But sometimes your best isn't good enough." It's in these moments that Desirea's perspective shines. "Why be negative? You have to put a positive spin on it, or you're never going to get through it." This positive outlook is a seed that has grown into a powerful force for change for Desirea.
Today, Desirea embodies Novo Nordisk's values, combining lived experience with professional expertise and planting seeds of hope and empowerment in the next generation. "I work in an environment where me living with diabetes and working for a place that advocates for diabetes—they go hand in hand." But her impact extends beyond her role. Desirea volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, mentoring newly diagnosed children and their families. "When kids find out they have diabetes, it's really scary," she explains. "They don't realize that this is something that will be with you the rest of your life, but you're going to be okay and you're going to be in control."
What makes Desirea's contribution truly unordinary is how she transforms everyday interactions: "I think being unordinary is bringing people up, sharing positivity, and creating an environment where the people around you can thrive." Her story exemplifies how personal challenges can transform into purpose. By openly sharing her journey, Desirea helps create the supportive environment she wishes she had as a child. "Having that open conversation and getting support—the next generation is lucky because they have a lot of support."
Desirea's work aligns with Novo Nordisk's commitment to driving change and improving lives. Like the company's investment in community partnerships across 46 states, Desirea is dedicating her work to nurturing a supportive community and empowering individuals to thrive despite the challenges of diabetes. Her unordinary journey demonstrates that with the right support, anyone can turn adversity into a force for good.
