Brick and Charlies

A Note from Brick

(The Real-Life Buck)

Hi, I am Brick.

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on the day before Halloween, October 30, 2024. That day changed a lot for me, but it didn’t change who I am.

At first, everything felt new and overwhelming. The hardest part in the beginning was keeping track of what I ate and taking all the shots. I had to learn how to count carbs, check my blood sugar, and think ahead about food in a way I never had before.

Now that I have been living with Type 1 for a while, I feel proud of how I’ve handled it. I have learned a lot and gotten stronger because of it.

The hardest part for me now is not the shots anymore, it’s remembering I can’t just grab a snack without thinking about it. I have to keep track of the carbs and make sure I dose for them. Sometimes that gets annoying. The technology has been great and helps a lot, but the alarms and how often I have to change my devices can be frustrating.

But here’s what I know:

Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t stop me from doing the things I love. I can still go on adventures. I can still hang out with my friends. I can still try new things and challenge myself.

If you have Type 1 Diabetes, I want you to know something important, you can do anything you put your mind to. It might take planning. It might take teamwork. But you are stronger than you think.

Diabetes is something I have.

It is not who I am.

Brick

A Note from Charlie

(Real Life Chuck)

When I first found out that my friend had Type 1 Diabetes, I didn’t really know what that meant. I was kind of shocked and a little worried. He was still acting like himself, laughing and making jokes, but I knew something big had changed in his life. I didn’t want him to feel different or weird, but I also didn’t really know what to say or how to help

The first time I saw him take insulin, it felt more real to me. He told me that his body doesn’t make insulin, and that the shots are what keep him healthy. I thought that sounded really hard. I don’t think I would be very brave about it, but he just did it like it was normal. It made me realize how strong he actually is. I also started to understand that even though diabetes is something he has to deal with, it’s not who he is. He’s still the same friend I’ve always had, just a stronger, but still very funny Buck!

Briar’s Story

My name is Briar O’Donnell, and I am the author of The Adventures of Buck and Chuck. I am

16 years old, a writer, a junior in high school, and many other things.

But, most importantly, I am an older sister.

Buck was inspired by my younger brother, Brick.

On October 30, 2024, Brick was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and our world was turned

upside down. Seemingly overnight, we were learning about insulin (both long and short acting!),

the pancreas, autoimmune disorders, blood sugar, medical devices, sugar checks, and what

everyday life with diabetes looks like.

Watching my younger brother face this life-altering change with courage, curiosity, and

resilience, I was inspired in a way I did not expect.

Brick did not face this journey alone. His good friend, Charlie, was right there with him: asking

questions, learning alongside him, and showing up in ways only a true friend does. Charlie is the

real-life inspiration for Chuck.

I want younger kids with Type 1 Diabetes to see themselves in the stories. I want them to know

having diabetes does not mean sitting on the sidelines or missing out on things. You can still go

hiking, surfing, rafting, exploring, and adventuring; just like everyone else!

That’s why I created Buck and Chuck.

Buck symbolizes all the kids living with Type 1 Diabetes: capable, confident, and brave. Chuck

symbolizes all the people who support, ask questions, and stand by their side. Together, I hope

they convey the message that diabetes is simply an aspect to life requiring extra care, not a

limitation on what someone can do.

Writing these books is my way of supporting my brother, celebrating his friendship with Charlie,

helping other T1D families feel seen, and spreading awareness about what life with Type 1

Diabetes can really look like.

I hope every child who reads these stories feels empowered. Whether they have diabetes, another

health condition, or know someone who does, I hope they walk away believing the same thing

Brick shows me every day:

You can do anything.

Briar

A Note from Brick’s Parents

We are Jen and Matt. Brick’s mom and dad.

On October 30, 2024, our family learned that Brick has Type 1 Diabetes. No parent is ever truly prepared to hear those words, even when you think you understand the diagnosis.

As a nurse with a doctorate in Nursing, Jen had professional knowledge of Type 1 Diabetes. But living it day to day, counting carbs, managing blood sugars, learning new technology, and helping a child navigate big emotions has been a completely different experience. It has been humbling, challenging, and deeply personal.

For Matt, Type 1 Diabetes was something he had heard of, but didn’t fully understand. He quickly realized how complex and constant diabetes management really is, and how much teamwork it takes to do it well.

Through it all, we have learned that managing Type 1 Diabetes isn’t something one person does alone. It takes communication, patience, flexibility, and a whole lot of love. Together, we’ve worked to keep Brick healthy, confident, encouraged and reminding him that diabetes doesn’t define him or limit what he can do.

We are incredibly proud of Brick for his courage and resilience, and equally proud of his sisters, Briar, Silver, and Savvy for the way they have rallied around him with support, kindness, and humor. Watching them show up for their brother has been one of the most powerful parts of this journey.

Our hope is that The Adventures of Buck and Chuck helps other families feel less alone, sparks understanding, and shows children with Type 1 Diabetes they are capable of living full, adventurous lives surrounded by people who love and support them.

With teamwork, education, and heart, anything is possible.

Jen & Matt