Navigating a chronic disease with family support.

Kenden’s parents, Kevin and Ta’Neisha, were shocked when their energetic, seemingly healthy son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10. Kevin’s father had recently died from complications of diabetes, and Kevin and Ta’Neisha were scared. The team at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth assured the family that though this condition is lifelong, Kenden could still lead a normal, healthy life.

After a week in the hospital, Kenden was stable enough to return home.

“I was nervous, because I was still learning. I did offer to all the nurses to come live with us,” says Kevin with a laugh. “But we felt equipped to manage his diabetes as a family.”

Kenden’s close-knit family rallied around him, educating themselves on diabetes so they could help Kenden as he learned to manage his chronic condition. It wasn’t always easy. There were times when Kenden didn’t want to have to prick his finger or count his carbohydrates. But with support from his family and Cook Children’s endocrinologist Jill Radack, M.D., and team, Kenden rose to the challenge.

“His siblings definitely make sure that he is doing what he’s supposed to do. And they talk about how it makes them feel when he doesn’t stay on top of his health, because it affects all of us,” says Kevin.

Now 17, Kenden is thriving as he juggles high school, friends, part-time jobs and sports. Most of all, he loves spending time with the family that has been by his side every step of the way.

"Managing diabetes can be hard, because sometimes I don’t feel like dealing with it. But I want to push through, because I have my siblings looking up to me.”

Kenden, age 17

Kenden's story

Navigating a chronic disease with family support.