Max Domi recently opened up with his followers on Instagram about his experience living with Type 1 diabetes, inviting questions and sharing words of encouragement
Matt Cudzinowski – nhl.com
MONTREAL – In conjunction with World Diabetes Day last week, Max Domi took to his Instagram account for a Q&A with his followers about his experience living with the disease.
The 23-year-old Canadiens’ centerman, who was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic at the age of 12, fielded questions about everything from insulin injection sites to his dietary needs to his past experience wearing an insulin pump.
He also offered up plenty of words of encouragement along the way as well.
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, so the four-year NHL veteran was eager to share with his audience.
“I think the main message I want to get out there is that I had a dream to play in the NHL when I was born, and that was long before I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes – and I still had the dream after. Now, here I am living out my dream,” said Domi. “It just goes to show you that it doesn’t get in your way one bit. Whatever you want to be, you can do that. Obviously, there are a lot of bumps in the road and there’s a lot of adversity that you’ve got to go through, but with the help of my family, my nurses, my teachers, my coaching staff and my friends, they’re the people that really drive you to accomplish your dreams. That’s what happened with me.”
Click on the comments section of Domi’s Instagram post below to see his responses to various questions.
Admittedly, Domi was floored by the incredible response to his Q&A. He appreciated the queries and enjoyed the interaction.
“It’s pretty humbling when that many people are looking up to you. It’s like a little community of our own, and they’re really focused on certain things that I’m doing. They want to know how to integrate certain things I do into their lives, and I learn as much from them as they learn from me. Even if the kid is only four years old, I’ll pick up something from them. That’s pretty special,” said Domi. “It just gives people a little bit of hope and helps them realize that the light does get a little bit brighter on the other side. You have something to look forward to, and I’m living proof of that. It’s something I take a lot of pride in.”
In addition to sharing his story on social media, Domi serves as the national spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) as well.
Being a role model for fellow young diabetics is a means of paying it forward for the talented pivot, so to speak, after being inspired himself by Hall-of-Famer – and fellow Type 1 diabetic – Bobby Clarke.
