Joining The Chorus
On November 14, 1991, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) organized the very first World Diabetes Day.
The goal:
Raise awareness about the disease, it's treatment-- and its potentially devastating consequences.
To further this cause, the United Nations passed a resolution last December recognizing World Diabetes Day-- making it a
"United Nations Day."
Every year, the IDF designates a theme for this very important day.
This year's theme:
Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.
Couldn't hit any closer to home, now could it?
I am often told that my son "doesn't look like he has diabetes."
That he "seems so healthy."
Many times, folks have wondered why I let Joseph eat "that cupcake" or "that piece of candy."
Or, in a maddeningly dismissive tone, others have said:
"So, I guess it's under control then."
As if the insulin he takes somehow "cures" his diabetes.
More people need to be educated about this disease. They need to understand that it isn't as simple as taking a pill or a shot.
If you're reading this blog, then you know a little something about how diabetes impacts the life of a child-- a child who has the support, education and tools to help him deal with this thing.
But even with all of these resources, it's hard.
The highs, the lows-- and the fear. They're all still there.
And what about those other kids?
The ones whose parents don't have access to the bare-bones tools needed to manage the disease.
Children who will likely suffer the worst complications of diabetes because their parents (and often, the communities in which they live) are without the money, education and support necessary to try to prevent them.
People need to know.
Please click on the banner to the right to learn more about World Diabetes Day-- and how you can get involved.
Labels:
Diabetes Awareness
4 comments:
The way healthcare in this country is headed, it is imperative that we find a cure before we all can't afford to maintain our level of care
Thank you for spreading the word
The lack of information - The ones whose parents don't have access to the bare-bones tools needed to manage the disease is truly the most frightening.
Keep writing, keep advocating - I really just cannot imagine what it's like to be a child with this disease. I am awed by the parents of children with diabetes.
I worked as a counselor at Joslin/Clara Barton's day camp during its pilot year several years ago. It was sometimes discouraging to see parents lack of resources or lack of knowledge ot help their kids - we would often get kids showing up with their "lunch" - an entire box of ritz crackers and a can of cheese whiz. And then there were others who were really on top of things. The disparity was amazing, and often times, it wasn't because parents didn't have the time or money - though that was part of it for some - it was because parents weren't educated.
Great post Sandra.
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