Diabetes parenting blog by diabetesdad

What If Insulin Was Not Available at ALL??? To Some it’s a Harsh Reality.

Posted on February 8, 2017 | by tomkarlya | 1 Comment

In today’s climate where any opinion seems to be a wrong opinion……….to someone; would you like to do something to feel just a little better inside? I think we all could say, “I wish I had a little more.” “Life would just be a tad easier if…….” I think we all have said that at some time or another and, perhaps, some even say it today. What I DO KNOW without a doubt is that there are children in this world who will go to bed tonight and not know if there will be an insulin shot waiting for them tomorrow…….to stay alive

Sort of puts much into perspective doesn’t it?

In 2013, some members of our very own diabetes community came up with a wonderful idea called “Spare a Rose, Save a Child“. Simply put; this year for Valentines’s Day, spare one rose, give one less, and send the cost of JUST THAT ONE ROSE ($5.00) to help a child get what they need dealing with their diabetes.

Did you know that just $5.00 could be a month of insulin for one child? Well, it can be.
In fact 1 Rose= $5.00 enough for one month
2 Roses=$10.00 enough for 2 months
3 Roses=$15.00 enough for 3 months
…..and so on.

So think about it. It’s my opinion that you will feel pretty good about doing so………I ‘m pretty sure that’s an opinion all would be in agreement. Click here……make a difference. Spare a Rose, Save a Child.

I am a DiabetesDad.
Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’

Tonight On Our Shewwww……….And HERE they are; The Diabetes Community (Applause, Loud Screaming etc.)

Posted on February 10, 2014 | by tomkarlya | Leave a Comment

To my knowledge, there was never a BOC (Beatles Online Community), was there? As I watched the tribute of fifty years since the ‘fab four’ appeared on the Ed Sullivan show last night I, along with all of America I’m sure, just marveled at the impact these four from Liverpool had on the world around us.

What was going through their minds as artist after artist paid them tribute last night in a star-studded evening? How could four human beings actually create the stir, the hype, the excitement, the headlines, and more hoopla than anyone could ever imagine?

To be clear, I believe they were/are beyond a mega talent of which we may never see the likes of again. When you stop to think that all of this was achieved without the use of one ounce of social media. None. Zilch. No Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter photos and messages to spread the word about this unheard of group called the Beatles, it makes one wonder that much more at their success.

In an interview last night, Paul McCartney stated that all four could (and did) stand alone as incredible artists; and when bought together as one, the four created something very different that no one, even they themselves, knew would happen. A different voice was created.

There is a huge lesson in that message for all of us in the diabetes community. In the need to create something special, four talented young men joined together. Paul met John, Paul knew George…..and they were off, I have stated before that it is quite clear that there are many groups, organizations, camps, foundations, and boards doing wonderful things in the diabetes community.

All are different and all are very good at what they do. Very good.

I still believe if there was a successful attempt at just one voice for one message even for one day—-the coming together of every voice would create a new voice of which this world has never seen before.

And imagine what the impact would be in this world of diabetes if people heard just this one voice, asking for whatever it was that we all deemed necessary to change the world—-I guarantee it would produce hit after hit after hit.

Imagine the possibilities!!!!!!!

I know it is just a dream but it surely would be beautiful music, wouldn’t it? “There are places I remember…………in my life I love them all.”

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

Dear Valentine………..A Child’s Life Over a Rose……Is that Okay this Year??????

Posted on February 8, 2014 | by tomkarlya | 2 Comments

Dear Valentine,

I was pondering whether to give you roses this year and all I kept thinking is; but roses die. Sure they will look good for a little while, but roses die.

Surely I could find a better way to spend some money than just giving something already cut, and already dying.

Surely we are both beyond the limit in our sensitivity to diabetes. The impact in our lives has been earth shattering, But yet, what we go through is nothing compared to other regions of the world that a diagnosis can also mean a death sentence. Some countries are THAT FAR behind in caring for their own people.

Roses are pretty, but roses die.

I hope it’s okay with you, Valentine, but this year I’m going to allow the roses meant for you to stay implanted in the ground and donate the money to help a child who is not as lucky as ours. Every five dollars donated translates to one month of insulin for a child in need.

It’s a simple program called Spare a Rose, Save a Child. No one should die from not having insulin and the International Diabetes Federation will take our donation and make sure that insulin helps those children in need. Anyone can do it, just by clicking right here.
Let’s hope others give a simple $5 as well.

A rose does not have to die, and neither should a child. Please help today.

Happy Valentines Day.

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

A Young Man Taking on Diabetes…….Let Him Know How GREAT HE IS!!!!!!!! Diabetesdad’s Hero of the Day.

Posted on February 7, 2014 | by tomkarlya | 30 Comments

Isaiah is four years old and was diagnosed three weeks after his first birthday. Proud mom just shared this photo showing off his new CGM which he put on willingly and ‘without tears’, I am told. Look at the beautiful and energetic face. This little man is ready for anything. Diabetes will stop him from NOTHING!!!!!!

We write so many things about so many issues here on the Diabetes Online Community. On this post–please congratulate Isaiah for taking a step so willingly and bravely. Whether someone uses a CGM or not is completely a call you can make with your family and medical team. But when made, as in this case, Isaia was ready, willing, and taking it all in stride.

Mom tells me that Isaiah lives life in a manner where diabetes stops him from nothing…and THAT is why he is Diabetesdad’s Hero of the Day. Please let this young man know how proud we are of him!!!!!! Reply on this post with a message to Isaiah.

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

“Don’t Ask THAT!!!!!!!!” Really?

Posted on February 7, 2014 | by tomkarlya | Leave a Comment

While at LAX airport awaiting my flight home yesterday, a young man in his early twenties (at most) was on-line. It was clear that one of his arms was different from the other with only three fingers on a shortened arm.

A little girl of about 5 was staring at his hand. He bent over a little and said:
“Hi.”
“What happened to your hand?”

The young lady’s mother quickly tried to hush her and this young man, clearly wiser than his age would suggest, rebuffed the mom immediately.
“No. Please let her ask. Now what did you want to know?”
At this point the little girl became cautious and as she looked at her mom she slowly pointed.
“My hand. Do you want to know about my hand?”
She nodded.

He went on to explain that it was just something that happened but he detailed how cool it was that he was so unique. His voice was calm and his explanation was wonderful.

His explanation.

It made me realize how many times over the years I have taken offense to a comment about one of my kids’ diabetes. I have to think back to see whether I was overly sensitive or not; but based on the interaction I saw at the airport I might make sure, moving forward, that I am answering the question and not reacting to someone’s lack of knowledge.

Back when, there was a time we knew nothing also. Food for thought, yes?

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.

A Mom Loses Her Son on this Date…….Her Continued Work Humbles Us All.

Posted on February 3, 2014 | by tomkarlya | Leave a Comment

This is something I wrote over a year ago but I bring back most of it today as a reminder…..not only of the life lost but the power of a woman who refuses to let diabetes win……ever.

Michelle Page Alswager is not new to being involved, she is not new to making a difference, and she certainly is not new to incredible pain.

MILE 23.

It stands for February 3rd (2/3….or 23). Today. This date 4 years ago was terror personified in Michelle’s life. It was on this day Michelle lost her son, Jesse. Michelle would say that she continues at the pace she does (which is rapid speed and unyielding—stop does not exist), because it keeps Jesse’s name in our eyes, it reminds us who he is.

Mile 23.
You see, Mile 23 is a mile run in silent during any of the incredible bike rides you see happening around the country. From Death Valley to the NYC-Washington trip, these fabulous bikers raise an enormous amount of money to help diabetes causes; but yet it is Mile 23 that grabs our attention when at each given ride, this mile is done in complete silence. Just the chains rattling and the wheels spinning in absolute chilling harmony of tribute by groups of two wheelers.

This MILE 23 is a memory mile. A memory mile started in honor of the memory of an incredible young man named Jesse. Jesse passed away due to diabetes on February 3rd, 2010. His mom, Michelle, has made it a point to make sure that what happened to her family does not happen again. But it has. And now “that mile 23 for Jesse” is done for all who have lost this bitter battle of diabetes.

And to those who have had it happen, they have reached out to Michelle and Michelle has been there for them. She knows. And unless you have gone through it yourself, you would never understand. I do not understand; nor would I even begin to relay that I do, I don’t; …..truthfully…..may I never.

But Michelle has spent almost 4 years re-telling her story and re-motivating others to know that we all cannot stop and should not stop until a cure is found. She is a powerhouse of getting it done. So at every ride, Mile 23 is reserved for reflection of those who lost the battle but more so; to remind the rest of us the importance of doing what we can.

Every time I see the number 23, it reminds me of everything Michelle, The Nicholsons and so many others are yelling to us by their utter Mile 23 silence; “……do not stop. If we are not stopping–you have no right to stop.” And they would be 1000% correct, we have no right to stop. Don’t do nothing.

Michelle stated that she received a two page letter Jesse wrote from one of his teachers. She received it from teacher after he passed away. In the letter he said how proud he was of his mom for everything she did in his life. Because of this letter she states, “….I know he’ll be there, and he’s proud of me.”

Think about that for a moment, please.

He was proud of Michelle, his mom.

To the so many that redefined the meaning of a simple mile marker–number 23, especially Michelle Page Alswager, we are proud of her too Jesse. Thank you for lending your mom to the diabetes community and especially to Riding on Insulin where she gives so much of herself.. A labor-of-immeasurable-love that will make sure your voice and memory are never, ever, silenced……as long as we all see, and understand, a mile 23.

And if Michelle does all she does to keep moving; so must we. For what she does today; yes we owe that to Michelle, and we owe it to Jesse, and we owe it to our own children. And as long as my hands are able to write, this date will be remembered forever.

I am a diabetes dad.

Please visit my Diabetes Dad FB Page and hit ‘like’.