REBECCA SCHEPPS

Brooklyn, NY
Age: 30
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 23

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1st Place Tour de Millersburg Overall
2nd Place Tour de Millersburg Criterium
3rd Place Tour de Millersburg Road Race
3rd Place Giro de Cielo Road Race
7th Place 51st Annual Fitchburg Longsjo Classic
2nd Place Staten CX 3.0
1st Place Sussex County Cyclocross
1st Place Horseshoe Scramble

MEET REBECCA SCHEPPS

When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

February 23, 2006. I was 23 years old.

How did you feel about diabetes when you were first diagnosed? What was your family’s reaction to the news?

I was absolutely shocked. I didn’t understand how I could get diabetes, I was a collegiate athlete, I was super active, I was very healthy. I had no idea what diabetes was beyond the commercials I would see for “diabeetus” on television. I was also very angry. My parents and family were mostly scared and nervous. And rightfully so, I lost my first vial of insulin in the first 24 hours. I don’t think I’ve misplaced any since.

How do you feel about diabetes now?

It’s just something I have to live with and deal with. Because the only person it will effect if I don’t act responsibly is myself. Diabetes is a huge part of my life and who I am. I don’t see it as a hurdle, its just part of my story. But I do get angry when people look at me weird when I reach for a cupcake – I’m trying to turn these into educational opportunities.

Why is exercise and competition a part of your life?

When I first got diagnosed I had a 2 week bike training camp planned. My doctor asked me to not ride my bike until I got used to my “new” body. I tried to take up running. And eventually started riding again, but I didn’t race my bike again for 6 years. I don’t know why I took such a drastic break. Sure exercise helps make diabetes more manageable, but that is never a factor for why I exercise and compete. I love the feeling of pushing myself and doing things I’m told will be hard, impossible, and someone with diabetes can’t and shouldn’t do. I also live for the sound of well deserved exhaustion. Ahh, exhale.

What drew you to Team Type 1?

I started racing again this year and had a lot of trouble dealing with blood sugars. Then I had an incident where I bonked ridiculously hard in the middle of a time trial. I finished the stage, but I was crushed, and the episode affected the next two stages of the race for me. I contacted DESA (Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association) with questions about how to deal with blood sugars and racing. DESA put me in touch with a woman who formerly raced for Team Type 1, Monique Hanley. Monique was amazingly helpful. We corresponded back and forth almost every day. Then she put me in touch with Jack Seehafer. Jack officially asked me to join Team Type 1. Every person I’ve been put in touch with has been so helpful and the opportunity to get involved with this disease on such a personal level is amazing. Mostly I want to make sure that no one ever tells anyone that gets diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes they can’t. We can do anything. The sky is not even the limit – and that’s what this team stands for.

Tell us about a personal achievement that was highly significant to you.

I was determined to get a job before I finished school, and I did that. I was super motivated on getting my personal portfolio together, website, arranging interviews, etc. And then I spent 3 weeks crisscrossing the country interviewing up to three different places a day. I ended up with a few offers, and landed in my dream city at the time, San Francisco. I was pretty proud of that focus, determination and putting myself out there and going for it.

How about an athletic achievement that you find especially significant?

Just getting back into racing this year I was very determined to get my Cat 3, which I did. Personally I think motivating to train in New York City was my biggest achievement – having to battle traffic in less than ideal riding conditions is a major victory for all New York City cyclists. I also was very ecstatic to win the Tour de Millersburg stage race, it was my first win during my first season back riding.

What is one piece of advice you could give to someone who was newly diagnosed with diabetes?

Don’t be angry at this disease. It doesn’t have to own you. Test test test! Finger Prick away! And live your life knowing you are so strong and so capable.

How did you feel in school about having diabetes?

I wasn’t diagnosed until I was in graduate school. And in my graduate program, which had about 50 students there were actually 4 others with type 1. They offered a great amount of support, and we definitely leaned on each other.

In what way have you found that your diabetes has helped you grow as an individual?

Responsibility for sure. I used to never carry a purse. I guess I probably took good health for granted. Now I am a lot more responsible about myself. I’m also tougher. I know that I have to deal with exponentially more every day than the majority of my peers, and I do it. Whining and complaining doesn’t really get you anywhere. You just have to suck it up, and make things happen.

Are there any areas of your diabetes management that you are currently working to improve?

I want to maintain my A1C. And I need to get a better grip on my nighttime lows. I also need to get on a pump, maybe. I'm not sure. But I want to try it.

What is an athletic goal you have for the short term- say in the next year?

I really want to get my Cat 2 on the road and improve everything in cyclocross.

How about an athletic goal that you have for the long term?

I want to go up a hill like I’m a tiny Columbian male climber. That’s probably not possible. My athletic goal for the long term is keep trying new things, sports, etc, and always to keep pushing.