Published May 5, 2020

#331 100 Year Old Shirley's Type 1 Diabetes Birthday Wish

Celebrate 100-year-old Shirley's incredible life and unwavering advocacy for type 1 diabetes, as she shares personal reflections on her century-long journey and the technological strides in diabetes management that fuel her dream of witnessing a cure.
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Episode Highlights

  • Memories

    Shirley shares cherished memories of her past, reflecting on the simplicity and richness of life in earlier times. She fondly recalls the taste of fresh butter from a farmer and the joy of receiving letters from her husband during the war, which she still keeps in a cedar chest 1. These memories evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when food tasted different and life was less complicated. relates to her experiences, noting how food production has changed over the years, altering flavors subtly yet significantly 2.

    I have every letter he ever wrote me in a cedar chest downstairs. Yeah. And he only came home on r and R. It's near the end of the war.

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    Shirley's reflections highlight the enduring power of love and memory, offering a poignant glimpse into her life and the world she has witnessed.

       

    Health

    Shirley's health journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite battling breast cancer and experiencing a severe fall at 99, she remains active and engaged with life 3. Her daily routine includes reading and staying informed, although she admits the news can be depressing. Shirley's longevity is remarkable, especially given her family's history, and she attributes it to her desire to see a cure for type 1 diabetes, which affects two of her grandchildren 4.

    I think it's because I so desperately want to see a cure for type one diabetes.

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    Her story is one of perseverance, underscoring the importance of staying active and hopeful, even in the face of adversity.

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