We are very proud to be a part of this Fun filled Blogfest sponsored by WEGO Health. This isn't our first #HAWMC, and we thank WEGO Health for giving us a perfect time to dust things off a bit.
Today we are prompted to "Tell us why you write about your health. How long have you been writing? What impact has it made on your life?".
This was going to be recap of how I crossed the line (not a bad crossing), to be someone that started to look around the WWW for every piece of information I could find about diabetes to help my favorite Diabetic...my Wife, and learn anything possible to help us both.
Somewhere along that journey I felt the need to start sharing the information with others. I found there was some GREAT people out there, and not so good one’s as well. Then I discovered something called Twitter, and thought to myself what was this 140 Character thing and how stupid of a concept. Until it made [some] sense to me. About the same time I found this thing called Facebook. Then, more of the pieces came together, as did people looking for information.
What came next, was something very special. The beginnings of what is now called the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) started to really take shape, PEOPLE helping PEOPLE. I started to realize that this online presence needed PEOPLE to spread the word, and not just online slactivism, but boots on the ground. Then it dawned to me that were was a large presence of PEOPLE that could benefit. REAL people. There was people all over talking about “diabetes” online. There weren’t enough talking about the “DIABETIC” aspect...PEOPLE.
So as I somehow took on the role as an Advocate, I made sure to never forget that and to make sure we remember the human aspect of diabetes every step of the way.
Being humbly blessed with the opportunity to help others, and remember the “Golden Rule”.
Not going to dwell, but along the path as an Advocate I too became a “Patient”, and even closer by learning I had Pre-Diabetes. Other health & family issues have taken over that had me *THAT* close to throwing in the towel as an Advocate. Just go back to where I was years ago. Upon telling my favorite Diabetec, she looked at me and said “Are you crazy...what about “your diabetic people (As she calls it) “.
That little sentence helped me to throw away that towel. UNTIL…
We found out our pregnant daughter is expecting Grandchild number six very recently. We also found out along with the baby, she has to fight Gestational Diabetes along the way.
Thankfully, she has my resolve when dealing with issues. She has the fight within her
to give diabetes a swift kick in the ass, with all of the family helping.
to give diabetes a swift kick in the ass, with all of the family helping.
In closing, “Why do I Write” was going to be bland,Ya da da da about diabetes this, diabetes that. UNTIL…
This ugly disease is directly hurting someone I love. One of my children.
Look out diabetes, this fight took on a whole new context now. Diabetes may win a battle here and there, but we WILL WIN THE WAR...
Thomas R. Moore,
Chief Communications Officer
BlueHeelSociety.org
Type1Rider.org
