Information is power.
Sometimes information comes through unlikely avenues. In my case, the information I present to you
is largely anecdotal. My life story, and
the lessons I learn from living such a life I hope to pass on to others, in
large part to let you all know you aren’t alone.
Taking that a step further, I believe that empowered parents
lead to empowered children and that eventually, those children will grow into empowered
adults. At least I have faith that it can work like that.
My hope has always been to empower my reader with the
simplicity of understanding. Empower you
to know that even though bad things happen to us, we don’t have to lead a bad
life. Empower you to know that even
though you and I may do things very differently, that’s ok. Empower you to know that even in the worst of
moments, everything will be ok. Empower
you to know that your efforts are wider reaching than you could ever imagine. I can only wish that as you mobilize all this empathy you have towards me, you can find avenues to turn the tables and revert that empathy and understanding back in your own direction, and cut yourself, and your children a little slack.
I hope you see I'm trying to do that here.
As I type this tears are streaming down my face. I don’t say that to brag about my
sensitivity, in fact I’m sure some may see that as a weakness, I say that to
let you know that I am sincerely passionate about this community. Every single corner of this community. And by community I mean every person, every
loved one, every doctor, every company, every human being affected by
diabetes. All diabetes.
So is love enough? Is
this heart of mine that swells with adoration, understanding and empathy enough
to make a difference in the world? Maybe
it could be. Maybe it has been. But right now there is a swelling in my chest
that says it isn’t enough. I want to say
that my time at the Medtronic Advocate Forum was the antitheses of such
swelling, but really it begun several weeks before that as the new year knocked
on the door of the old.
Somewhere inside of me I know I need to take what I’m doing
to the next level. I didn’t know what
that looked like a few weeks ago, but I have a much better understanding of
what that looks like now. Am I already
there to full enlightenment? No. But I’m ready to take that first step, and
that step is to help mobilize the people in my community, (you and I,) towards common
goals.
I’ve used the analogy before about the Who’s in Whoville
from Horton Hears a Who. Our community is much like that. One voice can make all the difference to
making us be heard.
And we need to be heard.
There are policy makers, pharma companys, news outlets, and
simply neighbors in our immediate area that need to hear our collective
voices. I am going to call on you from
time to time to add to the collective to push our influence over the edge. If I promise you it won’t be hard…if I
promise you it can take minimal time, like less time than waiting in line for a
cup of Starbucks, would you be on board?
I’m asking you to commit to saying yes. I’m asking you to commit to taking action, even
before I ask for help. To commit to
shunning away the voices that say you aren’t needed.
I’m asking you not turn the other cheek.
I’m asking that of myself too.
In fact, part of my mission this year is to answer the calls
for help.
I know I’m being vague, and I promise I’m not leading up to
any big initiative announcement, or surprise anything…I am, really, just asking
us to let go of ambivalence, and embrace the calls to action. We’ll have our first opportunity to do that
in a couple weeks when the annual “Spare a Rose” campaign launches.
If I’ve learned anything the last few days, I’ve learned
this: One person can make a huge impact
by doing small things. Please don’t
underestimate your power or our communities need for your one voice.
My 2014 Mission Statement:
I will answer to calls for help in furthering worthwhile causes to
benefit the global population of those affected by diabetes. I will examine my strengths and find my
unique way to help, whether very big or very small. I will not hold on to the information I glean
from others online, instead I will share that information to empower the parent
community, and to educate as well.
Big things are happening in the diabetes healthcare
landscape, regarding access and FDA approval.
Big things are happening around the world with intent to save
lives. Big programs are happening that
can unite our diabetes community, and help us emotionally as well as eradicate stigmas associated with diabetes as a whole. Let’s start noticing. Let’s start helping.
I promise to do my part to seek out these things, and to let
you know what those things are.
I'll take my first step by sharing some of the information I
learned this last weekend while attending the Medtronic Advocate Summit. The event was impeccably put together and
lent itself to an atmosphere of openness from all sides.
It’s all coming once my brain can settle on what to start with.
Ready… Set…
(PS In full disclosure, Medtronic and Bayer paid for my flight, food and lodging to this forum. I was not asked to write about it. My views are 100% my own.)
Meri, I'm glad you were able to go to this event and that it made such a big impact on you. That's a heck of a mission statement. I hope I can help you accomplish your goals.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've been empowered and kicking the heck out of it for a decade and a half now. I know I've helped a lot but lately I don't feel like my empowerment has a "home base" if that makes sense. While I don't mind making things happen on my own, I miss being part of the big team (For me it was JDRF. They don't seem to need me lately). My selfishness comes in that I want to be part of a team and interact with people and bond over it etc etc. I've been struggling lately with accepting that my time to get to do that may have come and now gone ... does not mean I won't stop with my mission (I raised $55k just last year alone). But ... I'm trying to balance my own selfish wants (being on a team that works toward our goals) with the possible reality (no one wants me) with the bottom line (does not mean I can stop. I have to accept). Gosh ... does any of that make sense?
ReplyDeleteMoira! This is exactly what I’m talking about. You are TOTALLY underestimating the power of what you are doing. And if YOU, someone who does so such amazing things for our community underestimates her worth, just think about the rest of us. I am guilty of doing things as simple as not sharing a status, or not signing a petition, or not participating in an art day because I think that small contribution won’t change anything, I want bigger and better and faster too! But the fact is, if we all do these little things, big things will happen. You are wanted. I promise. You already use your strengths…if you use them without being on a steering committee? You can still change the world! In fact, you are! Keep going!!!
DeleteThis exact topic has been swirling around in my brain for some time now. I want to do... something (for lack of a better word). I want to make my voice heard and speak for my daughter until she can learn to speak for herself, but I don't know how. It's frustrating when you feel like you have something to share, but no idea how to do it.
ReplyDeleteAs always, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm in.
ReplyDeleteI want to be like Meri when I grow up!! You are so good at captivating us with your words. You are a fantastic role model in this community. Can't wait to hear about the forum.
ReplyDelete"YES, YES, A THOUSAND TIMES YES!" And so incredibly beautiful that I am crying and smiling at the same time.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Well said, Meri (as always). Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for what you're doing. I just shared on my blog that my son was diagnosed with T1D this Monday and it's all overwhelming. One of my readers sent me to your blog and I look forward to reading more...
ReplyDeleteI AM TOUCHED BY THIS PASSIONATE MESSAGE,I AM HOPING THAT THIS EXTENDS TO OUR COUNTRY KENYA,I AM IN THE FRONT LINE IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE THRO. OUR ORGANIZATION HEALTHCARE RESCUE CENTRE,WE HAVE SEEN PEOPLE DIE FROM THIS EASILY MANAGEABLE CONDITION,SOME FOR BEING NOT AWARE OF THE DISEASE,OTHERS FOR LACK OF MONEY TO BUY DRUGS LIKE INSULIN,NOGLUC WHICH ARE EXPENSIVE,KINDLY THINK ABOUT INCORPORATING THEM TO GIVE THEM HOPE AND SURVIVAL.YOU CAN DO THIS BY TAKING TWO OR 3 PATIENTS WHO ARE NEEDY TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR MEDICINES,OR PAY HOSPPITAL BILLS FOR CRITICAL CARE,OR SURGERIES FOR DIABETIC FOOT,PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME THRO.nyakonadavid@yahoo.com,i will be happy to lead you to these groups.
ReplyDelete