Youth diabetes ambassador seeks US junior teen title

Fallon Smythe faced one of the biggest obstacles of her life last October when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Now, the 13-year-old Las Vegan is standing tall with two titles to wear proudly.

Fallon was chosen to be youth ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Las Vegas, 5542 S . Fort Apache Road, Suite 120.

In July, Fallon is scheduled to represent the the foundation and her home state as Miss Junior Teen Nevada 2011.

When Fallon steps on stage to compete for the national title of Miss Junior Teen United States 2011 at The Orleans on July 13 and 14, it will be the teenagers's first pageant experience.

"With the health issues I was going through, we were hesitant to join this competition," she said. "But it's going really well."

Fallon entered and won the Miss Junior Teen Nevada 2011 via written submission.

The July competition will consist of evening gown and swim suit portions and a four-minute interview.

Fallon said her platform will be diabetes awareness because not many people know much about the disease.

"Most don't understand how it works ," she said. "There are two types. Type 1 is when your pancreas stops producing insulin. I use a pump."

As many as 3 million Americans live with Type 1 diabetes, and half of the 30,000 diagnosed each year are children.

Fallon was diagnosed with her condition in October after weeks of downing 3 gallons of water a day and fatigue so bad she would sleep 16 hours a day. Her legs were too weak to support her tiny frame, which was 60 pounds despite Fallon's constant eating.

"It was a roller coaster," she said.

She started home schooling and began her mission to raise diabetes awareness through her former school mates when they came to visit.

"They learned about it with me," she said.

Her support system will be on hand for the July pageant.

One event that Fallon is sad will be missing from the competition is the talent portion.

Fallon said she enjoys singing and dancing and hopes to parlay her talents into a career.

She plays piano and has dabbled in acting, too.

Her stage as of today is serving as a mini spokesperson with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - Las Vegas.

The foundation has about 42 youth ambassadors between ages 6 and 18, said Marcy Arroyave, foundation outreach manager.

The ambassadors help with educational projects as public figures.

Arroyave praised Fallon's poise and well-spoken demeanor but said her condition could have played some role.

"Type 1 diabetes makes you grow up very quickly," she said. "She's not afraid to stand up and tell people she has this disease and how she manages it. But you just look at her and she warms your heart."

Fallon says she enjoys being a youth ambassador and a role model to others.

"I feel stronger," Fallon said. "I feel I can accomplish more now that I know I can accomplish this. Hopefully, someday we can find a cure for this disease."

Contact Centennial and Paradise View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.