Beating Diabetes One Race at a Time

A conversation with a true champion. Joselyn started swimming when she was two. She progressed very rapidly and, when seven, started to become one of the strongest female swimmers in the league.  Her performance at the league championships opened some eyes and gave us a glimpse of what her swimming future could be.  The following year she was so dominant in her age group (8 and under) that we considered having her swim against the 9-10 year olds just to give her better competition.  She was the top seed by considerable margins in all 3 of her individual events for championships that year and took first place in each.  She also was key in the two relays she was in, as they finished first in both, as well. 

Following her swimming successes she began to lose considerable weight and was rushed  to Children's Hospital. There after days of pain she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Her mother had always told her “God has a plan for all of us,” so Joselyn accepted the disease as a way for her to show God to others.  She wrote her book later that year chronicling her personal reactions and concerns for her health, her swimming, and her faith.  She understands that the obstacles we find in our way are opportunities to grow and learn, not reasons to quit and she wants others to know that as well. 

Joselyn found a publisher and donates copies to newly diagnosed patients at Children’s Hospital. The books are available for sale on Amazon.com.  The cost is $9.95 and the profits all go to the JDRF.  To find it easily, search “Splash Joselyn Busato” on Amazon.com.