I gave my annual diabetes talk to Benny's class this week. I always have fun with that and he enjoys being the center of attention that day. This year, Benny wore his JDRF Walk shirt to class, but kept it hidden under a sweatshirt until it was time for our talk. Then he dramatically unzipped – Diabetics Assemble! – and we explained what Benny's Brigade is all about.
On our way home, I passed another mom in a minivan, a good friend. I waved and she signalled for me to roll down the window. "Did you get my message?" she asked. She'd left me a voice mail about a newly diagnosed girl in her daughter's 4th grade class.
So I'm leaving a diabetes talk and I get news of a new diagnosis. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I always am. I love connecting with other type 1 families, but I hate that we keep adding to our club.
A bit of good news that night - a great tweet from Chef Sam Talbot. He's the Top Chef contestant and author of The Sweet Life: Diabetes Without Boundaries. Chef Sam was recently involved in an online charity contest and I was one of many who helped spread the word.
He wrote: @staceysimms Hey Stacey, thanks to you and your followers, we won the $10K for @JDRF ! Thanks again, hope you're well!
That made me feel a bit better. If this club has to keep growing, at least we have cool people in it!
Thanks to the folks at Mezzetta for their Make That Sandwich contest and generous donation.
I agree, its always hard to hear of a new diagnosis. My daughter’s school is up to 6 kids with T1 this year…comforting that she’s not “alone”, but heartbreaking at the same time!