Richard Schlomann, Germany

Video interview with Richard (in German)
Watch the video interview with Richard telling about his life with diabetes and how he has learned to cope with the condition - access here (7:40 min.)

About Richard
Richard is 19 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in July, 2000. He has been a real innovator in using the Web to open communications between young people with diabetes, having launched his own site (www.diabetes-teens.net) as a forum for chatting and sharing knowledge.

Richard is pursuing his dream of being an Internet innovator. A student now, following graduation Richard will have the official title of Medical Records Administrator/Documentalist.

Richard is also pursuing a personal dream. He set up a web forum along with other young people he met at DAWN Youth Camp D in 2006. “We wanted to build an open forum where teens could communicate with teens. It’s a place where everyone can openly speak about issues and see that they are not alone,” explains Richard. And it works. The website reveals Richard’s passion for helping others with diabetes and creating a medium to share experiences and knowledge with others.

Why he’s involved in DAWN Youth
“I have chosen to get involved in DAWN Youth because I think that I am able to achieve something for diabetes. In my life with diabetes, I have had many experiences.”

Richard says that early on it was difficult to understand the impact diabetes would have on his life. But he soon “learned to live with diabetes and can do all the things I want to do.”

Richard’s advice to others
Richard’s motto is, “Diabetes is more than an illness—it’s a way of life.” His wish is that people would understand that diabetes is a life task, one that brings challenges but can definitely be managed. Luckily he has the skills and attitude to communicate this to the world through his forum, and as an ambassador for DAWN Youth.