Six-year-old 'Super Sophie' inspires kids with her diagnosis

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Sophie Thompson cherishes the shiny silver coin she got to flip at the UNC football team last month.

The coin is a souvenir from when the 6-year-old from Burlington served as the Kid Champion as the Tarheel's took on Louisville.

Her connection to the ACC giant is not through football, however. Instead, through her treatment at UNC Hospital.

Last year, the vibrant Alamance County girl received a diagnosis that would flip her family dynamic.

"It took us a few days to really grasp it," said Sophie's mother, Amber Thompson.

She said that when her daughter was diagnosed, she was just days away from having her blood "essentially turn to poison."

The family has shared their journey on Facebook, where the 6-year-old is known as Super Sophie.

Her Facebook page relays messages from parents of children diagnosed with the same disease as Sophie - Type 1 diabetes.

"We've had parents reach out to us and say hearing her story has helped their kids," Amber said.

The Thompson family is also taking a step further on Super Sophie's journey, raising money to buy a poodle. The poodle won't only act as a best friend, but a helping aid.

"It's going to help me take care of my blood sugar," Sophie said.

And they've already named the pup, though it will likely be close to a year before "Hero" comes home with them.