JDRF’s Children’s Congress: Thoughts from a Past ChairMom

I can still feel how my heart raced the day my phone rang with an amazing request. But this past week it’s been on my mind even more. It was the fall of 2003 and when the phone in my office rang I could see on caller ID who it was. “Bonness.” The ID blinked. Rik Bonness. Former pro football player. JDRF superstar. ChairDad of the 2003 Children’s Congress, which my daughter was lucky enough to be a delegate at. What could he want? “I have something to ask you and I want you to feel free to take some … Continue reading JDRF’s Children’s Congress: Thoughts from a Past ChairMom

A guilty wish fulfilled: A real world friend in the D-World

It’s a terrible, selfish wish that I think all of us in this D world have from time to time. “I wish I had someone who really got me and got it.” I’m not talking the friends we meet in the D-World (although they are absolutely beyond amazing. Anyone who does not think so can ask those of us who lived this life B.I. [before internet]). The power of the Diabetes Online Community is remarkable. That said, who hasn’t wished for a friend – someone who already gets you and gets how you think – to truly understand this world … Continue reading A guilty wish fulfilled: A real world friend in the D-World

Perfect gifts for D-Mamas and Daddies

I don’t remember a lot of the details of that week way back when my daughter was diagnosed with diabetes. The lead up – that early feeling of worry that something was not quite right; the long drive to the pedi office with her looking pale in the back seat; 2:35 p.m., the moment the pedi told me what was up; the rush to the big city hospital. The rest of the week is a blur of lessons and doctors and mastering shots and trying to get my head around it all. Except for one vivid memory: my friend showing … Continue reading Perfect gifts for D-Mamas and Daddies

Quick Scott Brown update: The man keeps to his word

Hello On Line Community!   Just a quick note. I wanted to let you know that Senator Brown has followed through on a HUGE request I asked of him. I told him in our meeting I knew it was a lot to ask but I hoped he would consider stepping up and becoming a leader when it comes to National Institute of Health Funding; and by that I mean not just diabetes funding (although I care deeply about that) but funding to help find cures for all kinds of diseases. Today Senator Brown did just that, becoming one of the … Continue reading Quick Scott Brown update: The man keeps to his word

“D-tunes” Beyonce Style

Okay — who is talented enough to actually record this? I challenge you in the DOC to make your own recordings be you an itty bitty one, a mom, and adult with Type 1 or just a creative and talented soul. What follows are the lyrics. I hope to see some youtube recordings!  Ohhh the di-a-bee-tus, Ohh the di-a-bee-tus Ohhh the di-a-bee-tus, Ohh the di-a-bee-tus Ohhh the di-a-bee-tus, Ohh the di-a-bee-tus Ohhh the di-a-bee-tus.   Now count your carbs up Up to the max, we just served up I’m doing my own little thing Decided on chips and dip and … Continue reading “D-tunes” Beyonce Style

David (us) vs Goliath (Insurers): A battle I want over for good.

A request: Once you are done reading today I’d like you to share one of two things: an insurance fight you’ve won or lost, or: how and when you transitioned to handling your own insurance battles. Thanks! My young-adult daughter’s endo had just suggested she enroll in a one-week diabetes “refresher course” late this summer. Said daughter was calling it “diabetes rehab” and crooning about it ala Amy Winehouse (“They told me to go to diabetes rehab and I said: ohhhhhh, ohhhhhh, lowwwwws!”). I, on the other hand, was on the phone with insurance. Fighting and explaining. Again. And it … Continue reading David (us) vs Goliath (Insurers): A battle I want over for good.

Meet my daughter: Broken arm and all

“Mom. I think I’d like to guest blog for you. Can I?” “Absolutely! Come up with an idea and go do it now.” My daughter ran upstairs, ready to share. Alas, the bright pink cast on her recently broken right arm made typing near impossible. Lauren promises to join us from time to time once she’s healed. But today I thought I’d share something she wrote a year ago. She was asked to give the Fund a Cure speech at our JDRF gala (that’s her on the banner of this page doing just that). Here’s what she said: (and maybe … Continue reading Meet my daughter: Broken arm and all