Received my 50 year medal today from Lilly. Gee, the things I remember about being diagnosed:
My BG was like 700 something but I didn’t feel sick at all. I spent 7 days in the hospital, was bored so they sent me to an actual weaving class in occupational therapy. I missed my home and my dog.
Mom promised if I was well behaved ( I hid in the back seat of her car because I was so afraid of the hospital) and went to the hospital I would be allowed to take dance classes when I got out. We had just moved to a new house and a nice dance school was just one street over. I spent 25 years in dance. I guess that means I was a good patient…or something.
I got a degree in dance and theater, but the dance department really labeled diabetics as weak and I’m pretty sure that has been challenged and cleared up by now. I came home from college with a BFA and my future husband. He is dealing with cancer right now, so his support all these 50 years, is now a bit reversed. Still keepin’ on, by God’s grace.
Congratulations on your 50th year anniversary!!! Dance probably helped keep you healthier too! I am sorry to hear about your husband. Hugs and best wishes for a speedy and well recovery.
Congrats on fighting the good fight for 50 years! I know it’s not easy and there are many bumps along the way. I think your passion for dance provided you with important physical and emotional sustenance over these years. I wish you and your husband the best as you deal with his cancer.
No Way!!! Will you post a picture of the medal? I’ve never seen one. I wanna see. What are you gonna do with it? Are you gonna wear it around? You should wear it to the grocery store. Tell people you won it for being a world champion diabetic.
Congratulations, I am a type 2 ,29 years. I feel blessed to be doing well. I am so sorry your husband is ill. May you have a happy future together. Love is special. Nancy50
Congratulations! It is a huge milestone! Most of us back than we’re told we would never make it this long. It sounds like you have a great support team and you and your husband will get through this new curve you have been thrown.
My husband and I had the same situation. He has been there for me for almost 30 years and I have been there for him with his cancer scare. Thankfully we are both doing well and I pray the same for the both of you! God bless and congratulations on your huge accomplishment!
You have reached an important milestone and we’re all proud of you! Your early experiences of being diagnosed reminded me of my experiences…1 week in the hospital; could only test your blood in a lab; was told that I would not live that long and most likely lose a foot or a leg; used glass syringes; diet soda was a specialty item and only available in a drug store; had trouble getting accepted playing sports because diabetics were considered handicapped by other kids; employers could choose not to hire diabetics. I’ve met many long term diabetics with those same experiences. In a sense, we end up living longer than some folks with no apparent medical issues because we go to the doctor regularly and are monitored more carefully. So display that medal proudly!!
It truly is commendable what you’ve accomplished for 50 years, but I have to ask, "How does Eli Lilly know your name & address? " Did you contact them or did they contact you? I don’t understand how a drug company knows you had a specific disease for 50 years.
Congratulations 