On this episode we get to hear from ⁠Shanell⁠. First thing first, this Love Story must be shared. In June 2023, Shanell was given another chance at life because of her husband gifting his kidney to a complete stranger. Love is EVERYTHING!!
Shanell was diagnosed with T1D on November 1st, 2001, the day after Halloween at only 12 years old and believes it made her who she is today, strong.
Shanell recalls Halloween 2001 & her body going through challenges & changes as she was walking, including her leg going numb.
The summer before diagnosis she remembers being extremely thirsty and urinating all day and night. When she came home after summer vacation her mom did notice how thin she was. After speaking with coworkers her mom was shared that this was all signs of diabetes. Shanell being the self-advocate she was, she told her mom that she needed to go to the doctors immediately. It was her mom's birthday. Upon examination her blood sugar was almost 800 mg/dl
and that's where her journey with T1D would begin.
Currently, ⁠Shanell⁠ is in school for entertainment & business & wants to be a voice for people living with & dealing with Type One Diabetes. She would love for everyone to know that they are not alone.
Shanell has been married for 5 years & has a 4-year-old.
At the young age of 32 after giving birth, Shanell started dialysis immediately. In two years, she was able to receive a kidney transplant. Shanell's husband actually gifted his kidney to someone so that she too could receive a kidney. To this day she does not know who her kidney came from but recognizes it as a true gift & would like to thank that person. Her husband doesn't even know who he gave his kidney to. June of 2024 made 1 yr since she received her kidney transplant.
Shanell wants to personally share with everyone, to please take your health serious. As she says, "I don't look like what I been through, but I've been through to a lot!"
Follow Shanell on social media
⁠TikTok⁠ @always_shanell1
Instagram @always_shanell
⁠Shanell Becton - My Showcase⁠⁠