In December 2016, as I lay in my hospital bed after a particularly grueling surgery, I received the news...You have Diabetes.
To be honest, I wasn't really surprised. Many people in my family have it. I had been teetering on the edge of the diagnosis for years. But when you hear the words it really hits home.
So, what did I do with this information? Not much. I wasn't in denial as much as I was overwhelmed. Self-care was never my thing. And when a diabetic doesn't take care of themselves the result could be fatal. It was too much for me to process and I did nothing.
Over the next few years I was hospitalized twice with a serious cellulitis infection. The second time I was admitted to the ICU because my organs began to shut down. The cellulitis infection wasn't a direct effect of the diabetes, but my reaction was worse because of it. That was finally enough to scare me into action.
I'm learning to take care of myself. I'm eating better, getting more active, losing weight, and watching my biometrics. As I progress in my personal journey there is something that I've come to realize...I am motivated by helping others. And that is where this walk comes in. I've decided to participate in the American Diabetes Association's 2021 Tour de Cure to raise awareness and funds to fight this terrible disease!
Today alone over 4,100 people will be diagnosed with Diabetes and more than 34 million adults and children in the United States are living with it. It is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States killing more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. And, if it continues growing at the same rate, recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have it by 2050.
By donating or joining my team, The Notorious A1Cs, you will be helping the American Diabetes Association to:
* Spread awareness of the devastating effects of diabetes.
* Advocate for a child discriminated against in school because of diabetes.
* Fund life-saving research.
* Provide access to community programs and free resources that help those living with diabetes to live well.
By participating in this event, I hope to inspire others to join me in making a positive impact on the lives of so many. Please consider donating or joining my team. It would mean the world to me. It could literally save my life.
