Fighting the disease for herself and others
Jenna Blusiewicz
Name: Jenna Blusiewicz
Age: 31
Resides: Mesa
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” — Walt Disney
Jenna Blusiewicz
Age: 31
Resides: Mesa
“If you can dream it, you can do it.” — Walt Disney
Background: Jenna Blusiewicz is an Arizona native who loves the water. She was a year-round competitive swimmer for the Arizona Marlins for 13 years. While in college at the University of Arizona she coached a kids team, and she enjoys hiking, running, yoga, golfing and weight lifting. She’s currently working as the Corporate Development Coordinator for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Her own challenge makes her work very meaningful for her.
The Challenge: Usually, type 1 diabetes is diagnosed early in childhood, but Blusiewicz was diagnosed in 2007 at age 26. This autoimmune disease caused her immune system to attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells in her pancreas. In order to stay alive, she needed to have multiple daily insulin injections. “Prior to my diagnosis, I had gotten back into swimming competitively and was approaching my first masters swim meet. Unfortunately, I was unable to participate,” says Blusiewicz. “When I was initially diagnosed, I was instructed to not participate in any fitness or exercise while I got used to taking injections and understanding how the disease affects everything in my life,” says Blusiewicz. She also must test her blood sugar daily. “I test mine 10 to 14 times a day,” she says.
The Turning Point: “Once under better control, I was able to go back to the gym and start swimming again,” says Blusiewicz. Choosing to go with a tubeless, waterproof insulin pump, instead of injections, gave her more freedom and tighter control over her blood sugar levels. “Instead of five to seven injections a day, I only have to change the pump site every three days,” she says. “And it allowed me to feel confident swimming and doing all the activities I love without worrying as much.”
Staying Motivated: “My motivation comes from desiring a long, healthy life free of complications. The longer I stay active and healthy, and the better control I have of my blood sugar levels, will help to ensure I have the quality of life of someone who does not have this disease,” says Blusiewicz. “My husband and I are getting ready to start a family and I want more than anything to see our children and our grandchildren all grow up to live long and healthy lives.”
Goals: In addition to beginning her family, Blusiewicz is very committed to her position at JDRF. “I have the opportunity to raise money for research to help millions of families (like mine) dealing with this disease to find a cure, reduce complications and improve the quality of their lives,” she says. “I also have the privilege to go out into our communities to educate, advocate and raise awareness about this disease and how important it is for our local companies and corporations give back.” Many walks and fundraisers take place in both Phoenix and Tucson, and she encourages everyone to help out. “Every walker, every dollar, every volunteer makes a difference,” she says.
