Type Strong
Inspirational stories of people living with type 1 diabetes
by
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Shepard Fairey
ARTIST AND ACTIVIST
Once upon a time, there was a teenager named Shepard that was obsessed with skateboarding. Shortly after his 16th birthday, Shepard was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. But he was young and didn’t feel like anything had changed, so he didn’t take the best care of his blood sugars.
Shepard believed that art should be in places where everyone can see it, not hiding in galleries or museums where it cannot be reached by as many people. While he was in art school, Shepard’s love for street art grew, and he started to become known and famous for his art.
Shepard uses the power of art to change people’s minds about the world we live in. Most of his art has an aspect of social commentary—it makes people think more meaningfully about social justice or politics. He often uses his work to raise awareness and then donates the proceeds back to causes he cares about, such as the Human Trial, a documentary about the attempt to cure diabetes. He is best known for his Obey campaign and his Hope poster for President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.
When Shepard got a little older, he started having issues with his eyes, which was when he realized that he needed to take better care of his blood sugars if he wanted to keep making art. He has since started using an insulin pump and a CGM to help take better care of himself.
UNITED STATES
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About the Book
With or without diabetes, you can do anything.
Fly a plane. Run a marathon. Write a book. No matter the accomplishment, the amazing people
in this book all achieved their dreams while living with type 1 diabetes.
An inspiring collection of biographies, Type Strong highlights the achievements of notable
people living with type 1 diabetes in all walks of life, ranging from high ranking politicians, to
aerospace engineers working for NASA, to firefighters. Full of captivating art, this anthology
contains the stories of famous trailblazer’s like Sonia Sotomayor as well as lesser-known
figures like Wasim Akram, the first person with diabetes to lead a team through a cricket
world championship.
Type Strong celebrates the achievements of the courageous men and women who have
paved the way for the growing population of people with diabetes, bringing hope to newly
diagnosed families everywhere.
About the Author
Saira has always been a storyteller, chronicling her work in the humanitarian and non-profit sector. While serving in the US Peace Corps, she met her husband through their matching insulin pumps. They have two daughters; their eldest was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 10 months old and their youngest when she was 3 years old. Saira loves spending her time exploring bookstores and coffee shops around the world with her family.