Marlee Brandon and her son, Bain, have been on an emotional journey since his unexpected diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. As a Mississippi mother, Marlee has shared her experiences of fear, learning, and the overwhelming responsibility of managing her son’s condition. Today, she is not only focused on caring for Bain but also on teaching him to understand his diabetes and speak confidently about it as he grows older.
A parent’s intuition is powerful, as Marlee discovered when she noticed small changes in Bain’s behavior shortly after his first birthday. Despite initially being diagnosed with a bilateral ear infection, Bain’s symptoms worsened dramatically on the way home from urgent care. This led to a terrifying trip to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and suffered from diabetic ketoacidosis.
The diagnosis was a shock to Marlee, who had expected a more common illness. Bain spent three days in the ICU while his parents learned how to manage his medical needs. Marlee credits her husband for his support during those challenging early weeks and expressed her determination to raise awareness and advocate for her son.
Looking back, Marlee realized that Bain had been displaying classic signs of diabetes, such as frequent urination and increased thirst. As a new mother, she had mistaken these signs for normal growth and development. Despite having no family history of type 1 diabetes, Marlee now understands the importance of recognizing the warning signs and taking action to ensure her son’s well-being.
Marlee’s life changed the day her son, Bain, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). She made the difficult decision to leave her job as a speech language pathologist to focus on managing Bain’s condition. Every day is a new challenge as she and her husband monitor Dexcom readings, count carbs, and strive to provide their son with a carefree childhood. Marlee acknowledges the reality of T1D burnout, emphasizing the immense energy required to act as a pancreas for her child.
Their daily routines now include pump and sensor site changes, timing meals around insulin, and constant vigilance. Marlee finds comfort in the support of the T1D community, as well as in educating Bain about his condition from a young age. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication with her son, helping him understand and manage his diabetes without fear.
Looking towards the future, Marlee worries about relinquishing control as Bain grows older and attends school. However, she remains hopeful that her son will grow into a confident, independent adult who can navigate his condition with ease. By sharing their journey, Marlee and Bain have found support, knowledge, and a sense of belonging within the T1D community.
Through platforms like TikTok, Marlee connects with others who understand the challenges of managing T1D, providing her with a sense of camaraderie and understanding. Despite the difficulties and uncertainties they face, Marlee remains committed to helping Bain lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
