The votes are all in. There were so many wonderful entries that it was difficult to choose the best of the best. But, after lots of reading and re-reading, we’re proud to announce the 2010 Diabetes Friends Forever Winners!
Nominator: Mary Beth Frampton, Tulsa, OK
Nominee: Kathryn Sheehan
When my younger sister in Maine was diagnosed with T2 diabetes some 10 years ago, I didn't pay much attention. Then I was diagnosed about 3 years ago and she came running to my aid! Emails, phone calls, envelopes filled with advice, even a special trip to Oklahoma from Maine to help me restock my pantry and learn how to shop for healthy foods were her gift to me in a confusing and anxious time. My sister had always been an amazing cook and when she was diagnosed, the loss of her ability to cook many of her favorite dishes was an incredible loss to her and her family. But that didn't stop Kathy! After years of research on her own, she began to develop incredible diabetic recipes using techniques and ingredients that she had perfected in her own kitchen through trial-and-error. She now publishes a recipe blog aptly-entitled "Diabetics Rejoice!" that has hundreds of followers throughout the country. She has taught Low-Carb Cooking classes through her local community center so that others can share in her tasty and satisfying meal planning and cooking expertise. I think back to her early days of dealing with T2 when she had so little support and contrast that with all of the support that she has given to so many -- friends, family and strangers -- and marvel at her courage and ingenuity. Her joy in facing this chronic illness has been an inestimable inspiration to me as I have travelled in her footsteps.
Nominator: James Mccullough, Springfield, MO
Nominee: Josh Lankford
Josh and I have know each other for nearly 30 years. We met in junior high, and played football together. We became fast friends, and have stayed close since then. I was there for his marriage, the birth of his daughter, the collapse of his marriage, and his efforts to be the best dad he could be while traveling for work on the railroad. He saw me move through college, graduate school and law school, was always willing to lend me a spare bed when I came home, and a hand with my old beater car. We were both diagnosed with DM type II about five years ago. It was emotionally difficult for me, something I could not admit to anyone, even to family. Josh, after his diagnosis just plowed through it, learned what he needed to do for his health, and was off medications and diet controlled in less than six months. It took a little longer for me to reach this goal. I made it and I am still medication free, but only after much competitive chiding, and loving support from my life-long best friend Josh. What was the one thing I was able to give him back for a lifetime of friendship, and the motivation to start controlling my own health? I gave him back pasta by introducing him to Dreamfields Pasta. He considers us "even."
Nominator: Rachel Garlinghouse, Collinsville, IL
Nominee: Michelle Preston
I met Michelle Preston, my registered dietitian and DFF, a year after my type I diabetes diagnosis. Type I diabetes is a 24/7 disease that is daunting, confusing, and disheartening and naturally, I was overwhelmed. When I walked into Michelle’s office for the first time, I was jaded by the many medical professionals who had simply looked at me as another patient, not as a person. Michelle was completely different. Upon my first meeting with her, I broke down. Tears were streaming down my face as I vented about the ups and downs of my disease and the challenges I faced balancing food, exercise, and insulin, all while trying to live a “normal” life. Michelle offered me a tissue and her complete attention---for an entire hour! In the visits that followed, Michelle gave practical advice on how to daily manage my disease. She patiently answered my dietary questions and validated my concerns. Michelle continues to support me to this day, three years and counting. Michelle is my DFF because she gets to the heart of what people with diabetes need most: encouragement. I’ve come a long way since the frightened and uneducated patient I once was. Now I speak at conferences, blog, and write articles for diabetes magazines. I owe my jump-start into my new attitude to Michelle. When I didn’t believe in myself, she is the one who looked me in the eye and said, “You are doing a good job.”
Nominator: Vicki Hannah, Brunswick, OH
Nominee: Lisa Werner
A week before school started (8/2007), my youngest daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was a mess, first dealing with the diagnosis and then having to send her to school a week later, without knowing who would take care of her. That's when I met our school nurse, Lisa. Her knowledge, kindness and warm spirit quickly eased my anxiety. Nurse Lisa immediately bonded with my daughter and made testing at school a fun thing to do! She set up a reward system and had her giving her own shots within a short amount of time. Three months later, this same daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Once again, Nurse Lisa was right there to offer support again. When my daughter decided to go on the pump, Nurse Lisa gave up an evening with her family to attend a pump training class with us. Unfortunately in Feb. 2009, my oldest daughter was also diagnosed with type 1. Once again, Nurse Lisa was there for our family. This past fall, Nurse Lisa joined our "Step-Out" for Diabetes team (ADA)and walked with our family and friends in honor of my two daughters. In closing, I feel truly blessed to have Nurse Lisa in our lives, watching over my girls when they are at school. She is a wonderful person and a DFF who is always there to listen, offer support and advice! We love our school nurse!!! Thanks for all you do, Nurse Lisa!
Nominator: Andy Levy, Woodinville, WA
Nominee: Barbara
Barbara B. is my DFF because of the inspiration she provides and compassion she displays. When my 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with T1 last year, Barbara was the first person I called from the hospital. She provided great advice and a calming voice. She told me what would happen next and how to survive the coming days and weeks. She sent me websites and articles, invited me to research conferences, and is a reassuring voice on the other end of the phone. Barbara knows about diabetes because she has had to manage the T1 treatment of her now 14 yr old daughter for over a decade. But she made a conscious decision to do more than focus solely on her own daughter’s health. She has given of herself to support other children with T1 diabetes. She and her daughter have been tireless volunteers with the local JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and other organizations. They are both role models for controlling diabetes and learning to live normal lives. I have learned that being a parent of a child with diabetes can sometimes be daunting and heartbreaking. Barbara knows that as much as anyone. Over a decade of highs and lows, injections and pumps, and the trials and tribulations of raising a child from teething to teenager. But still, with grace and patience, she takes the time to give me guidance and to share her knowledge and time to help so many others.
Nominator: Gale Aho, Richland, PA
Nominee: Virginia Keppley
My sister Virginia is the mother of a diabetic child. My nephew was diagnosed at age 2 and has been insulin dependent since then. Virginia takes time to educate his teachers and his friends about diabetes and helps them all to realize that this disease is something that people can LIVE with. My nephew leads a very active life for a 10 year old, thanks to his insulin pump and his own knowledge of diabetes. His cousin on his father's side is a pre-teen diabetic who doesn't manage as well, but he and my sister are helping with that when they can. I am so proud of both my sister and my nephew for the way they approach this disease and the way they help people to understand that with the balance of food, exercise, and medication, there is nothing to stop a person with diabetes from doing everything they want to in life. Before my nephew got the pump (age 4) very few people could babysit for him, so my sister had to change career plans and now stays at home to watch other children and to be close to the school if he needs her during the day. She has taught all of the family about insulin pumps and the freedom they offer to everyone in the family not just the diabetic person.
