Grace goes to the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston for her care. Our pediatrician was pretty adamant that we go there for our follow-up. I love our Endo and our CDE.
Joslin has a Medal Program where they recognize individuals who have lived with insulin-dependent diabetes for 25, 50 and 75 years with special awards to commemorate their dedication to lifelong diabetes management. This past Saturday, a teacher at Grace's school was awarded the 50 year bronze medal. He was diagnosed when he was 8, the same age Grace was when she was diagnosed. He's on MDI, and appears to be in excellent health other than he no longer has any symptoms when he's low.
Where will Grace be in 50 years? How will her health be? The teacher talked about how, not that long ago, no one lived 50 years after diagnosis. But now he fully expects the 4 diabetics in her school to receive the same medal. I hope she doesn't get it. I hope she doesn't need it. I hope, with all my heart, that someone finds a cure before one more person needs to win a 50 year medal. I don't know if I can let myself believe that, but I sure do hope.
Do you let yourself believe?
Measures that Matter
16 hours ago
Yes, I let myself believe that while we all wait for a cure, that my Grace will live a happy and strong life with the D and get that damned 50 year medal. You know how I feel about the whole cure thing - all the eggs in one basket and the like.
ReplyDeleteUntil they find a cure, I will be working on the 50, hell, I will be working on the 75 year old medal for Grace. I have to.
I believe we will find a cure. Before Grace receives her 50 year medal.
ReplyDeleteThat's my story and I'm sticking to it.