My grandfather Lawrence Zogby had Diabetes. I don't remember too much about it - I was a child. But I do remember seeing his "supplies" on the table next to him. And that he had to take pills. I lost my grandfather in 2001. He was a great man who meant the world to me. Sometimes I wish that I could go back in time and ask him questions about so many things. Like his life with Diabetes. How he felt. What he thought.
I was diagnosed in August of 2012 with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Talk about hitting a brick wall at the speed of light! It was truly the scariest time of my life. We all tend to think that we're invincible. Until we are faced with something like this. It's so much more than a diagnosis. It's fear. And shock. And anger. And helplessness. Oh - and did I mention anger?
I've made ALOT of positive changes in my life in the past 6 months. I researched so much. I put together a health care team that I trust. I relied on my husband Dave my mother and my friends for support. I learned that exercise is FUN. That eating healthy isn't so bad. And i've lost quite a bit of weight. I test my blood sugar on a regular basis I take my medicine and I get plenty of rest. As a result I am happy to say that I am in the "well-controlled" category for now. But I still live with Diabetes 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. It will never go away. It is now part of who I am. I still have complications that I deal with on a daily basis. I am always afraid. I am sometimes angry. Sometimes feel helpless. But I will NEVER give up. I will ALWAYS fight.
I walk because the American Diabetes Association's Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes is so much more than a fundraising event to me. It is my opportunity to change the future and make a positive impact in the lives of those who are affected by diabetes. I am committed to walk and raise money in this inspirational event not because 26 million people in the United States have diabetes but because I personally know some of them and I want to do something about it.
I am now inviting you to join me in my quest to prevent and cure diabetes once and for all. Chances are you also know someone who has been affected by diabetes and you already know how important it is to stop this disease. By making a donation on my behalf you will be helping the Association provide community-based education programs protect the rights of people with diabetes and fund critical research for a cure.
With your help we will fight for a future where a parent does not have to hear that their child has diabetes. A future where an adult does not have to face the uncertain times ahead after receiving a diabetes diagnosis. A future where you and I will know that we had a part in making this possible.
To help support my efforts please click on the Donate button above.
I truly appreciate your support. Together we can Stop Diabetes!
