At the young age of eleven, being diagnosed with life threatening Diabetes was devastating for Melanie Schendel. Now thirteen, Melanie reflects back on the journey she has gone through and how she is using her pain as an opportunity to become a better person and leader. She eloquently shares her pain, sadness, emotional stages, and sometimes funny stories, in her own words, to inspire others to find their own way to accomplish great things despite ANY struggle they may be going through. Her deep challenges physically and emotionally, and how she triumphed through those difficult times, are what will inspire anyone at any age to move ahead in their life...to thrive and not just survive.