#843 Cult Jam

Writing Impact

Lisa shares her journey of writing articles to raise awareness about type 1 diabetes, highlighting the unexpected personal benefits she gained from helping others. Her articles, such as one on diabetes distress, resonate with many parents, offering them solace and understanding. Lisa's writing has not only impacted individuals but also led to significant community events, like a fundraising event with the Hamilton Lions Club, which raised $7,300 for JDRF 1. She reflects on the power of her words:

I thought if my article reached one person, maybe it saved one life, even if it's like ten years from now.

--- Lisa

Her dedication to spreading awareness has earned her recognition, such as being named the 2022 Family Team Champion for South Jersey by JDRF 2.

   

Awareness Challenges

Efforts to spread diabetes awareness face challenges, particularly in getting the medical community to adopt routine testing for children. Lisa emphasizes the importance of awareness, noting that type 1 diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of family history 3. She argues that the current system often overlooks the individual lives impacted by the disease, treating them as mere statistics. Scott Benner highlights the systemic barriers:

If you really want to get the medical community to test every kid at their well visit, then somebody's going to have to throw a lot of money into it and push really hard against the governing bodies of these doctors.

--- Scott Benner

Despite these obstacles, Lisa remains committed to raising awareness, hoping to change perceptions and practices over time 4.