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No Days Off: My Life with Type 1 Diabetes and Journey to the NHL
One of the NHL’s most talented young stars shares his inspiring coming-of-age story about following his dreams after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research.
“Max, you have type 1 diabetes,” the doctor said.
My mom and I looked at each other. For her, time stood still for a second as our entire future as a family shifted. But I had no clue what the diagnosis meant. So I said the first thing that came to mind.
“Can I still play hockey?”
As a kid, when Max Domi was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he only ever had one a hockey player. Growing up the son of a professional hockey player—Tie Domi—Max saw from an early age what it took to make the grit, talent, and the support of a team. Over countless hours in the garage, at the rink, and in the gym, Max chased his dream. It seemed that Max was born to be on the ice.
But then, when he was twelve years old, Max started getting sick. And sicker. Eventually, he and his family learned the Max had type 1 diabetes.
Overnight, Max and his family found their lives upended. All Max wanted was to be a normal kid, but suddenly, the simplest things—a game of basketball with friends, a family meal, a school field trip—were complicated with a thousand different considerations. Would people notice or make fun of him if he carried his blood-testing kit everywhere? Would his teammates think he was weak if his blood sugar went low at hockey practice? How much insulin did he need after a meal? And all the while, the fear of what might happen if things went wrong hung over his head. Max had to grow up quickly.
As he struggled to find his new normal, Max slowly began to realize that overcoming his disease demanded the same qualities that it took to be a hockey player—mental and physical toughness, maturity, and the love and care of family and friends. Bit by bit, he learned—sometimes the hard way—not just to control his diabetes, but to turn it into an advantage. If managing his disease was going to demand that Max be stronger, more prepared, and more disciplined than anyone else, then he wouldn’t just be good at those he’d be the best. He’d do whatever it took to move him closer to his dream of playing in the NHL.
Inspiring, heartwarming, and exciting, No Days Off is a memoir about what it’s like to be a kid whose world is turned upside down, and what it takes to face adversity.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research.
“Max, you have type 1 diabetes,” the doctor said.
My mom and I looked at each other. For her, time stood still for a second as our entire future as a family shifted. But I had no clue what the diagnosis meant. So I said the first thing that came to mind.
“Can I still play hockey?”
As a kid, when Max Domi was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he only ever had one a hockey player. Growing up the son of a professional hockey player—Tie Domi—Max saw from an early age what it took to make the grit, talent, and the support of a team. Over countless hours in the garage, at the rink, and in the gym, Max chased his dream. It seemed that Max was born to be on the ice.
But then, when he was twelve years old, Max started getting sick. And sicker. Eventually, he and his family learned the Max had type 1 diabetes.
Overnight, Max and his family found their lives upended. All Max wanted was to be a normal kid, but suddenly, the simplest things—a game of basketball with friends, a family meal, a school field trip—were complicated with a thousand different considerations. Would people notice or make fun of him if he carried his blood-testing kit everywhere? Would his teammates think he was weak if his blood sugar went low at hockey practice? How much insulin did he need after a meal? And all the while, the fear of what might happen if things went wrong hung over his head. Max had to grow up quickly.
As he struggled to find his new normal, Max slowly began to realize that overcoming his disease demanded the same qualities that it took to be a hockey player—mental and physical toughness, maturity, and the love and care of family and friends. Bit by bit, he learned—sometimes the hard way—not just to control his diabetes, but to turn it into an advantage. If managing his disease was going to demand that Max be stronger, more prepared, and more disciplined than anyone else, then he wouldn’t just be good at those he’d be the best. He’d do whatever it took to move him closer to his dream of playing in the NHL.
Inspiring, heartwarming, and exciting, No Days Off is a memoir about what it’s like to be a kid whose world is turned upside down, and what it takes to face adversity.
- GenresBiography
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2019
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 30, 2020
Having T1D for 44 years myself, I can appreciate the trials and tribulations Max went (and is going) through. He's fortunate though to have resources such as a personal chef, service dog, and a big city endocrinologist that most diabetics don't have. I was a little intrigued that he gave up insulin pump therapy. Personally, my control became better when I went on pump therapy and I would not have it any other way. Every T1D doesn't have any days off.
January 29, 2020
While Max Domi is clearly not a writer, this book is well thought out and very motivating and relatable for anyone living with Type 1 Diabetes. I appreciate the challenges he has faced and continues to face as a diabetic playing an sport that is very physical. When he started talking about his personal chefs, though, he definitely lost me! If only I had that.
August 17, 2023
As a hockey fan and Type 1 Diabetic I found this book so inspiring and so relatable. I liked how Max told his story of having Type 1 Diabetes and celiac disease and still was able to chase his dream of playing hockey.
October 25, 2021
I didn’t love the hockey references and in fact, my eyes may have glazed over at times (but I am admittedly not a sports girl!) – so I obviously didn’t read it from the fandom perspective. I did appreciate Domi’s transparency in sharing his journey to the NHL while attempting to balance Type 1 and celiac disease without giving up on his dreams. I couldn’t relate to all of the “perks” he has had in learning to manage his diagnosis, but I could relate to much of his experience and feelings. I recommend as inspiring non-fiction that encourages you to keep on going or for anyone interested in an accurately descriptive glimpse of what living with Type 1 can be like.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews