I want to talk about family a little bit. I have said some of this before, but even if I am repeating myself, it’s worth saying again.
The family members get it just as bad as the T1D’s or worse.
For example:
1. My mother was my primary care taker growing up, and scared for my life every second of the day. Guaranteed I am the sole reason for her alleged gray hair and constant anxiety.
2. My brothers were ignored because my care was a primary issue.
3. My friend has 2 of 3 sons with T1D and the son without feels left out.
4. My children often suffer the consequences of my disciplining them when my blood sugar is too high or too low.
5. My wife tolerates my social decisions based on what my blood sugar is rather than me relaxing and having fun.
Non of this is fair for them either. And they can’t complain because they aren’t T1D. They feel guilty for even thinking it.
T1D is a family disease. It affects all members of the family in one way or another.
Now, this isn’t a Debbie Downer message, because the solution is also family driven.
Ask my brothers what it has been like for them to participate in the Hope on 2 Wheels and JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes events.
Ask the Papola family what it has meant to them that Tony is involved in the JDRF Ride to Cure event and what it has done for their overall family fitness.
Ask the Harleysville Bike Works shop manager, Jason Meyers, what it has meant to his wife, that he has decided to participate in the JDRF Ride to Cure event next year.
Ask Hope on 2 Wheels Co-Founder and JDRF Ride Coach, Scott Kasper, what it has meant to his non-T1D son, that he will be able to ride for his brothers.
It’s a family affair all the way around: management, fighting for better care and fighting for a cure.
If you have T1D, thank your family for having your back. Remember that when they ask you what your blood sugar is, it’s not a challenge, they are just concerned.
If you are a family member of someone with T1D, thank them for taking ownership and taking care of themselves.
And family goes farther around than blood. I can remember a trip to a DE hospital when you got your first pump. I really hate hospitals but I wanted to go with Friends cause my best friend was in the hospital. This is very cool stuff you are doing Mike. Very Proud
Sure does, Matt.
What a difference 16 years makes. From Christiana Hospital with my first pump to now.
You make an important point. Friends are an important part of the equation. You and Chupa always having my back through college meant a lot to me. Support of friends is just as important as family. Thanks for all of your help.
Now, the next time I’m in New England, lets get a race in!
Mike,
I have not met you nor have even spoken to you yet, but I must say you truly have been a blessing for Jason and I. It means so much to me that Jay has a great friend to help and support him in being diagnosed with T1D this past January. It has been a rough year but with love and support from family and great friends it has made it a little easier. I am so proud of Jay for deciding ride the JDRF Ride To Cure event next year. And I will say I will be right there next to him riding to help cure this disease! You are an amazing man to be doing this study and hope that one day very soon in the future we will have a cure for T1D.
Thank you again!
Meghan
Meghan –
I was very fortunate when I was diagnosed. The first person they talked to was an RN and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) who happened to be T1D as well. She set the tone for them on how to manage my T1D and teach me how to manage it for myself. You can find more about Jean Betschart Roemer here: http://www.learningdiabetes.com/
The point is, she had the position and ability to speak to my parents in a way no one else could, offering credibility and hope to my family. I am glad that I could offer some support in this manner. But it never would have happened without my brother, David, already knowing Jason.
And that speaks to what type of person Jason is. Through the JDRF Ride and Harleysville Bike Works, he will be able to offer support and Hope for families in the Harleysville area that are living with T1D. He will be able to show them, like Jean did for me, that through aggressive management, a healthy life is possible.
Thank you for the support you are giving him, and I look forward to riding with you.