SINCE he was 14 years old, Guam Police Department Officer Duk Yi has been fighting diabetes.

Now 32, the Tamuning resident is heading to Korea on Friday for testing to have a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with end-stage renal disease about two years ago. Meeting him in Korea are his brothers Daniel, 30, and James, 28, who are going to see if one of them can be a match for the transplant.

Yi was surprised to learn he had the disease, especially at his age.

“It was just unexpected. There are incidences when people my age do get it. I guess the biggest thing is I didn’t really take care of myself when I first found out I had diabetes. At that age, I just felt I would still be alright if I just lived normally,” he said.

Despite his condition, Yi never let it get in the way of his work with the police department. If he’s not out on the field patrolling, he’s at the front desk of the Dededo Precinct receiving people coming in to file a complaint.

“If I can’t make it to work, that just makes it a lot harder for guys on the rest of the shift. That’s why at the bare minimum, I watch the desk so that our guys aren’t overloaded with work because we’re already short on manpower,” he said.

He admits his diabetes has affected him physically. “But I want to keep doing what I normally do,” he said.

Yesterday, Yi received a certificate of meritorious service along with a medal and an envelope containing $2,663 for Yi that was raised from recent fundraisers, including one that was held last Friday at Kentos in the Hyatt Regency Resort in Tumon. A $20 donation was added to the envelope, bringing the amount to $2,683.

Even during the day of the fundraiser, Yi was working and he only arrived after he was done with his shift.

Among the individuals at the small ceremony was Lt. Mark Torre who presented the money to Yi and expressed his gratitude towards Yi’s work at the Dededo Precinct.

“He’s gone through some physical challenges that many of us would not even wish on our worst enemy. But he shows up to work every day, even if he’s not in the best of health. I think we owe a debt of gratitude to him for showing us the way – that despite the challenges, we still have a mission to accomplish, and that’s to serve the community,” Torre said.

Also proud of Yi is the division commander for GPD district one, Capt. Kim Santos, who helped spearhead the fundraisers for Yi.

“Just the fact that he comes in despite his ailment, it makes all the difference for us,” she said.