You’ve been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Well, now what?

On our hardest days, when life feels as if it’s unraveling without direction or control, sometimes we need someone to tell us that everything will be OK.

The short film titled “Type1Day1” does just that. It aims to empower people newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, who are experiencing their first day of diagnosis.

Crowdsourced messages of hope and perseverance come from the global Type 1 Diabetic community that includes former pro football player Kendall Simmons and Hollywood actor Victor Garber. It encourages newly diagnosed individuals and parents of Type 1 Diabetic children, who may feel at fault for something they can’t control.

While Type 1 Diabetes isn’t caused by unhealthy eating habits or eating too much sugar, it’s a common misconception that can place guilt and shame on many new Type 1 Diabetics and their families.

Filmmaker and director Neil Greathouse also tells his own story of diagnosis using a style of humor similar to those found in his Instagram videos, which document his life with the chronic illness.

As Greathouse travels around the United States to meet people from the T1D (Type 1 Diabetic) community and medical professionals, he shares the story of a teenager and his family whose lives are affected by the diagnosis.

The video project is a collaboration between nonprofit Beyond Type 1 and New Life Church, where Greathouse is a pastor. On Nov. 14, 2015, which is World Diabetes Day, the video gained recognition as it promoted education about Type 1 Diabetes and showcased the strength of the T1D community.

Check out the video below.

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