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

Rose Spare a Rose---Save a childIn 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’

 

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

Rose IDFDear 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 New Video PSA from IDF——Uhhhhmmmmm…….You Might Have an Opinion On It.

IDF PSAWell I am really glad I might have put a smile on your face earlier today with a light-hearted look at diabetes because I was just sent a notification of the new Public Service Announcement video from the International Diabetes Federation.

It is on their home page.

I think that smile you had this morning might be short-lived.  I have many thoughts but I would rather you share yours.

You can see the video here:
http://www.idf.org/worlddiabetesday/news/diabetes-kills-public-service-announcement

I am a diabetes dad.

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

“D” ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

I wrote this a few years ago for my column on dLife….here it is slightly updated. Apologies still to Clement Moore, the original author—Merry Christmas 

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with  prayer,
In hopes that Santa would bring the cure with him this year.

The children were nestled from head to their feeties,
While thoughts in their head were no more diabetes.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, she prayed for the cure too,
A dad still wonders what else could he do.

Remembering this year; the D,C, health reform clatter,
So many were still wondering what was the matter.
Away to the news wires we ran in a flash,
Congress can’t get along, might it all crash.

As costs continue to rise on everyone’s supply,
So many wonder how they’ll get by.
D-bloggers continue to write of these capers,
It certainly can’t be left to all the newspapers.

Some insulins are now no longer produced in large numbers,
Who made the decision on these stupid blunders?
To those with diabetes these really are not funny,
You’re playing with lives; it’s not about money.

As parents search for the docs and schools that really care,
So much about this disease just doesn’t seem fair.
But as we turn and realize the continual fear,
I have some wishes for so many this year.

When you look outside at the fresh fallen snow,
Or out at the sea where cold you don’t know,
Think of those who inspire and soon you will see,
Those things have changed in the past and will continue to be.

Innovations like getting supplies to those in foreign lands,
There was Team Type 1, IDF, and a Foundation of Hands.
There were great events where no one would lose ya’,
There were rides, walks, another Jessapoolaza.

Of course we always had times that supplied daily strife,
But there were always seminars and CWD’s—great Friends for Life.
There was JDRF continuing in closing the loop,
And the ADA’s Stop Diabetes is still really a scoop.

There was TCOYD and programs were pooled,
And DRI’s drive for a cure is still very fueled.
Online giving went up a new step for sure,
By causes, by Facebook towards a real cure.

Information is available more than ever before,
Online, personal sites, bloggers still score.
So as the year ends and criticisms comes quick,
Remember there are good things and not all from St. Nick.

So listen carefully as you think of all that is run,
There is so much more work that needs to be done.
Don’t leave it to others; it’ll be just a few,
“Don’t do nothing” is what you really must do.

And if you think you’re done, tired, and feeling sort of sore,
Think of your loved one with diabetes, it’ll make you do more.
And if not for you, it will be for their sake,
We will stop it all when they get a break.

And then, in a twinkling, one day we’ll hear on the roof,
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
And the only thing needed is Santa’s toy bag for sure,
When diabetes is gone because of a cure.

So we will all continue to work, where is up to you,
But you have to make the decision on something you’ll do.
And one day we’ll scream and exclaim, “diabetes is out of sight,”
The Happiest Christmas ever, and to all a good-night!

I am a diabetes dad