A new venue for my voice in the diabetes world

I didn’t want to do it. After all, I already spent a lot of my time writing for a living. But over time, it just started to happen. I was guest blogging for many of the well-known diabetes sites and getting tons of comments and responses. I was posting “notes” on my facebook page as often as some bloggers update. And at the same time — for reasons that still confuse me sometimes — bloggers (even some with itty bitty followings) were getting attention, helping bring change and yes, bettering our efforts toward a cure. So I guess it was inevitable: I’m a diabetes blogger.

So let me make some things clear from the start:

*I am not now, nor will I never be, doing this for a living. I do just fine in my writing life (ski writing, travel writing, books and magazine articles). I’m lucky enough that I don’t need this to ever be profitable, or even bring a dime in. (Note: I have no problem with people who do earn a living doing this. I just don’t want to.)

*I do not think I know everything about life with diabetes, nor to I profess to be a supermom. Through the now 14-years I’ve helped guide my daughter through life with diabetes I’ve learned one sure thing: Diabetes is a crafty little monster. I am not as smart as it. I cannot stay awake and fend it off. I do my best, but I’m not always successful. But I am real. And realistic. Or at least I try to be.

*I am a huge believer in advocating for a better life and for a cure. I’ve been known in the JDRF world and in the diabetes world in general to be outspoken and unabashed. Has it made me some enemies? Sure but, why would I want anyone not willing to hear what a passionate advocate has to say be my friend? I’ll continue that outspokenness here. If you disagree, you should feel free to debate. I’ll listen. I firmly believe that there is room in this crazy diabetes world for a lot of debate. And a lot of respectful listening.

*While I have been most visible in my support for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, I am — at my core — a supporter of anyone and everything that truly moves us closer to a place where we are beating this difficult disease. No one owns me.

*I hope to make you laugh. I sometimes might make you cry. I aspire to make you think. I anticipate hearing back from you. So speak up. Call me out when I’m wrong. Let me know when I hit a nerve or when I speak your language. I hope to grow from this experience.

*I chose the name despitediabetes because I look at my daughter and how she is living her life. She’s a college girl in DC. She’s an athlete. She’s an advocate. She’s funny and smart and she sometimes sneaks parties at my house when I’m not around. And she’s done it all despite diabetes. It cannot be ignored, but it cannot completely own us. We have an obligation to fight it on both a physical and emotional level; in both a personal way (in her body) and a public way (advocating for change, better treatment and a cure).

And so, sign on and give me a shot. Follow me for a while. Let’s see if I can add my voice in a more meaningful way. Even if I did come here kicking and screaming.

0 thoughts on “A new venue for my voice in the diabetes world

  1. Thank Goodness!! It is about time. Remind us less skilled computer users how we can sign up for notifications when you update the blog.
    I am very excited about your new endeavor. Love you to pieces and so proud of all you do for our cure.
    xoxoxo

  2. Congratulations.

    Keep being reasonable.

    We can’t ignore it. We have to fight it. But it WILL NOT rule our lives.

  3. Can’t wait to see what comes of this mama! You’re the best. I like your comment about my parties hahaha.

  4. Can’t wait to read all of your “pearls of wisdom.” If this is half as good as your books on the subject, then we are all in for a great treat!

  5. You, outspoken & unabashed? Must know a differnt Moira. Glad you are here. Can’t believe I beat you to the blogging world. My blog contains both diabetes & non-diabetes topics. I find it very refreshing to blog. Shame that life gets in the way of blogging. Looking forward to it!

  6. Hi Moira,
    In 7 years my daughter will be leaving for college for most mom’s its no big deal! For us it’s the biggest deal of all especially bc we what i like to call “what if syndrome” what if she needs me? What if something happens? What is she goes low in the middle of night? All the what if’s are all ready running through my mind. I am looking fwd to your blog so maybe when my daughter’s time comes to go to college I won’t be a nervous and afraid of the dreaded what if’s!!!!
    Good luck,
    Tori

  7. While none of us signed up or volunteered to be in the “D-mamas” club, I’m honored to be in it with moms like you…outspoken and unabashed! I’m a fan! Thank you for being 14 years into this fight to find a cure and for not giving up (although I’m sure you’ve grown weary at times)!

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