DIABETES MEDAL/AWARD?
I have mixed emotions on receiving a medal for “living with Diabetes for 25, 50, 60, 70 or 75 years.” As of last year, I qualified for the Joslin 25 year certificate, but for some reason I can not bring myself to take the next step of obtaining the certificate. Do I deserve a medal for living life (with Diabetes)? Hmm, maybe when (if) I reach my 50 year mark, I might have a different opinion with receiving a medal for my “diabetes achievement.” So, my question is, when (if) you reach your 25, 50, 60, 70 or 75 years with diabetes, will you look to obtain any of the below medals/awards?
1. Joslin Medalist-Have you or a loved one lived with insulin-dependent diabetes for 25, 50, or 75 years or more? If so, Joslin would like to recognize this achievement. This program is open to everyone. You do not have to be a Joslin patient to participate. There are no physical restrictions for these awards, however some form of documentation is required.
2. Have you, or do you know someone who has had diabetes for 50 years? Or even 60 or 70 years? If so, why not nominate them for a Diabetes UK Medal? You can also nominate yourself.
–The Alan Nabarro Medal for 50 years of living with diabetes
- The Robert Lawrence Medal for 60 years of living with diabetes
- The John Macleod Medal for 70 years of living with diabetes
4. The Lilly Diabetes Journey Awards program, formerly known as LillyforLife™, recognizes diabetes patients who have successfully managed their disease with the help of insulin for 25, 50, or 75 years or more. Since 1974, Lilly has presented more than 2,000 insulin medals to people affected by diabetes. These individuals serve as an inspiration to all people affected by diabetes, for learning how to manage their disease and adapting to the ever-changing technology of diabetes care throughout their diabetes journey
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by nel on
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I am trying not to get hooked by comments here about " dying of one disease , cancer , compared to living with , dying of diabetes " ...and I do get hooked , maybe because I had cancer and I am living with diabetes almost 30 years. . And really , Danny's discussion is not about that , the way I read it .
Anyone, who likes to receive a medal/medals should do what ever it takes to get one or two or many more and live life to the fullest as medals are obtained .
Anyone, who does not like to receive a medal /medals may have their reasons and so be it and live life to the fullest .
PS I am a medal gal ...
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Permalink Reply by jeffri kay on -
i like the way you stated yourself nel!!! and best wishes to your health!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by Terrie on -
In regards to your wild guesses Danny, our minds and fate can change things in the blink of an eye. ;-)
I was seriously considering accepting a Certificate/Medal for 25 and possibly 50 years for surviving Diabetes since a couple years back Richard had encouraged me to. Especially since I, like Richard and so many other Diabetics started out with only the basics but thankfully we had Insulin and those scary syringes. Hard times back then alright. I don't regret experiencing all the amazing times and changes though.
Since Insulin was discovered between 2-7 hours drive from where I have lived at any given point through my entire Life, I now feel that I should receive my Certificate/Medal in MY country. I know that Drs. Banting and Best would wholeheartedly agree....and with 2 thumbs up.
The Canadian Diabetes Association(CDA) should be embarrassed for not taking the opportunity to present these Special keepsakes to the Survivors so many years ago and at present. The CDA has received tons of money from numerous avenues including estates, individual donations, "In memory of.." money gifts, public fund-raising by runners, walkers, Special relays, boat races, umpteen donated articles of clothing, household items, tech equipment, and so on.
Therefore, I feel that it is the CDA's responsiblity to make these presentations, whether formally or informally since they represent us and our Disease here and they are supported by us and other Canadians. This activity of acknowledgement to the Lifers would also bring more recognition and appreciation to the CDA. There are numerous Diabetics who are unable to travel to the US due to serious complications, financial burdens, etc. I won’t hold my breath as far as the CDA jumping on this idea but I will still have a smile a Big smile if I reach my next milestone. That will do unless some changes are made in the near Future.
As far as the research concerning these "Lifers", perhaps a different organization could take that project up. I've proven many times that there is nothing Special in my genes since I did get some complications(a couple reversed, a couple repaired) from my lack of control years ago so the researchers would not gain much from me. (Although coming out of that 3 day Coma unscathed was certainly an eye-openener to the Drs. back then and the relief of my Endo and others after that severe over-dose of Insulin at a different hospital with only minor brain damage as a result).
These Select People plus a number of others will always Fascinate and inspire me:
http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/index.php?option=com_content&v...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/05/nyregion/05diabetes.html
http://www.tudiabetes.org/profile/Tyger100?xg_source=profiles_membe...
http://www.tudiabetes.org/profile/RichardVaughn
Sorry about the “novel” Danny. You do tend to make a Person’s thoughts churn with your topics. Thanks for being part of my decision. It feels Good to me and Right.
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Permalink Reply by Terrie on
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Thanks Danny. As I commented to Richard on here recently, I had started writing a book about my Life in my early 30's but I am such a detailed writer that 3 chapters were as Big as a normal noveI. I didn't want to bore People since although those details were important to me, they may not be to other People. It also was taking too much of my time and thoughts. I was raising a Family(and a Hubby and a dog :D ), after all plus a full social Life. So I dropped the book idea. I'm okay with that. I'm hoping that many Diabetics will write their bios. That would be so interesting. Life with Diabetes is definitely interesting.
LOL!! I like your comment on the "Dream Team". That's a Perfect Title for them. They are Incredible....nothing less. Great that you bought Richard's book. I bought 3.. .2 to give to my Cousin and Friend. I totally enjoyed his Life story which is not near over by any means. :)
Thanks again for your ideas and thoughts....rolling thunder. :)
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Is there a place in Canada , such as the Joslin Institute , who one can approach with back up records , visit , expect to be " tested " , results to be used for research, why long term PWD have come this far etc.and receive a medal as described by others in this post ?
I am not aware .
CDA ( ADA /JDRF as well ?) have , I believe a different mandate compared to the Joslin Institute ...One also has to be a member of the organizations to be known to them as one living with D /what type /or be a supporter .
Terrie, have you approached the CDA about this ?; I never even have thought of this , but I am a newbie at almost 30 years .
Every year at CDA's NAGM Awards are handed out to Canadians ...however not necessarily to those living with diabetes for over 50 years.
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Permalink Reply by Kelly on -
I'm almost sorry I read your comment. My 4 yr old daughter was Dxd last Feb and I am still coping and I fear for her future every day. Reading all the death that you wrote of made me ill. Especially the 13 yr old boy. Why would he die at 13???? PLEASE TELL ME THERE IS HOPE.....
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Permalink Reply by Terrie on
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I'm sorry that I disappointed you Kelly but as you know, Life is not a fairy tale...it's real. This Forum is about Diabetes....the Good and the Bad. This topic was about receiving Certificates/Medals for surviving certain milestones with Diabetes but someone commented that(in my mind) they were saying that Cancer is worse than Diabetes so People with Diabetes don't deserve a token for living a longer than expected amount of time" which to me and others, isn't fair. Perhaps I misunderstood them.
I listed the People who died of Diabetes to show that cancer isn't the only disease that maims and kills People. I haven't had Cancer (touch wood). I am Well aware that Cancer is a Bad disease. I could list many of our Family and Friends who have died of it also. I could also list many who Happily are survivors of Cancer. More and more are surviving just as more are surviving longer with Diabetes. I think that the People who have survived or who are living with Cancer should also get a Special keepsake. But right now we're talking about Diabetes.
Ninety-five percent of the People who have Children, worry about them because of stuff that happens in society and diseases/conditions that they have been dxd. with. I certainly do understand that you worry about your Daughter. Mine is 24 and I still worry about her. My Mom still worries about me. That's normal. It is even harder for you since your Daughter was just recently dxd.
My Brothers were dxd. at age 4. They were so close to making it to 50 years. I'm Proud of them. I was dxd. at age 3. Next year will be my 50th year milestone with Diabetes. I have Strength. I have Faith. I have Compassion. I have Hope. I have Love. I have Determination. Teach your Daughter these important principles.
There will be many hurdles for you both to cross(like most, during puberty and teenage). Such is Life. Most hurdles will be crossed without much damage. We hope that all of our Children grow to be Mature individuals who can care for themselves and others. I wish these things for your Daughter. Do not ever give up Hope. She is Alive and Happy and CAN live a full Life. I didn't mean to scare you or anyone else.
*Terrie*
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Permalink Reply by Kelly on
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She is alive and happy and trust me I thank God for that everyday. I just hate to hear of any young person dying, and of course it really hits home when it's a result of the same disease my little one has. I just hate diabetes, and I am hoping a cure will come soon!
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Permalink Reply by Terrie on
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I know that you do Kelly. You have a Precious little Girl there. I also know that it breaks your heart that she has Diabetes and hearing what can happen.
Children dying from Diabetes in the developed world is a Very tiny percentage. God, when I think back what my Brothers and I went through, it's a miracle that we survived. BUT your Daughter is thankfully in an era of a much more advanced medical system than back in the '50's, '60's and '70's. You will learn so much from your Daughter's Health Team plus from the online networks. The information and experience and technology available today is simply outstanding.
Your Daughter will learn from you what she needs to know. When she is older she will continue to learn new things since this is a never-ending learning process. Diabetes info changes every time we turn around. Like most People, she will not like Diabetes but she will do just Fine with the knowledge that she will gain.
I've embraced my Diabetes. I know how to handle it and quite frankly, I'd be lost without it. I guess to me it's like, "Keep your Friends close and keep your enemies closer". I do however pray that there is a cure for your little Girl and all the other little Ones.....and the Big Ones too, in the near future. :)
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Permalink Reply by Gerri on -
I don't believe Jesse Alswager's death was due to a malfunctioning pump. He was quite an amazing kid. When he died (think it was in Feb), the cause was from "diabetic complications." He was in the hospital when he passed.
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