Kelsey Bascom turns her Type 1 Diabetes journey into film debut

Kelsey Bascom, an actor and filmmaker, has turned her personal journey with Type 1 diabetes into her debut feature film, Quarter. This coming-of-age comedy, which she wrote, co-directed, and stars in, offers an authentic portrayal of living with Type 1 diabetes — a story rarely told in mainstream media.
Diagnosed at 17, Bascom initially kept her condition private, fearing stigma and misunderstanding. “I thought Type 1 diabetes might stop me from living my dreams,” Bascom shares. Now, her diagnosis has become a cornerstone of her creative journey and advocacy.
Quarter follows a young woman navigating life with Type 1 diabetes as she approaches her 25th birthday. The film features notable stars, including Ali Wentworth, Raven-Symoné, and Brooke Shields, whose daughter also has the condition. Bascom describes the screenplay as a raw, journal-like exploration of her experiences, revealing aspects of her life she hadn’t even shared with her family.
Bascom’s journey to self-acceptance began after a series of dangerous low blood sugar episodes prompted her to adopt diabetes management devices, such as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump. “These devices gave me more control over diabetes and made me proud to wear them,” she says.
A turning point came when Bascom shared a photo of herself wearing her CGM on social media, sparking an outpouring of support. “I received hundreds of messages from people who felt seen and understood,” she recalls. This feedback inspired her to embed her experiences into her work, making Quarter not just a film but a source of representation for the Type 1 diabetes community.
Bascom hopes the film will dismantle stereotypes and misconceptions, showing that living with Type 1 diabetes can be a source of strength rather than a limitation. “I want people with Type 1 to feel seen and for others to understand our reality more deeply,” she explains.

Currently seeking distribution for Quarter, Bascom’s journey from secrecy to advocacy highlights the power of authenticity and storytelling in creating meaningful change.