National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

Courtesy of invisibleillnessweek.com

The end of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is right around the corner. I have been meaning to sit down and dedicate a post to this effort, but I had quite a busy week. As the old adage goes, better late than never.


This national awareness campaign took place September 13-19, 2010. The theme this year was, "Each one can reach one". I couldn't have picked a better theme myself! It is a reminder for me in all those situations where I find myself sighing and discouraged by the many misconceptions people have of diabetes. I have the opportunity to explain and answer questions regarding this disease. If I can change how one person perceives diabetes through educating him/her, I am making a difference. This isn't always easy to remember, but I will continue to try my best.


I recently visited a popular Southern California theme park. Dinner time rolled around and I went in search of a restaurant. California passed a law on July 1, 2009 stating that restaurants are required to post nutritional data. This information is pertinent to diabetics because it lets us know how many carbohydrates are in our meals, which helps us to decipher how much insulin is needed. I was disappointed to learn that this theme park has not adhered to this standard. Once more, I was thoroughly discouraged as we scoured the area-- when I asked the employees for their nutritional facts guide, more than once I got a once over accompanied by the unpleasant, "What, are you looking for something healthy?" During one such visit, my face was telling and a friend stepped in and blurted, "It's not like that! She has diabetes!" The employee's tone change almost immediately. The question is, should I really have to announce that I have diabetes whenever I go out? I feel like our society as a whole should be more compassionate towards the needs of others and if you don't understand something, ask-- things aren't always as they seem.


When I go out, I'm not trying to consume the waitress's time with frivolous questions about nutritional facts, interspersed with special requests. I'm trying to keep a tight reign on this disease and I am doing my best to maintain a good insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio. Heaven knows, I would rather forgo these questions and eat a tiramisu, but, that is not in the cards for me.


I'm not staggering in the grocery store because I am drunk. I am experiencing hypoglycemia and I need to grab something to eat before my sugar drops any lower.


Yes, my awareness of diabetes is high because I live with it everyday. But what about the other diseases? I'm not sure I would know what is at the root of a stranger's off-kilter behavior. However, I do know that I will treat that person with compassion and I will do my best to not pass judgement.


I have some amazing friends who have been given their own crosses to carry. They have all dealt wonderfully when situations arose where someone was in need of being educated. I am proud of them for taking the opportunity to reach one. Myasthenia Gravis. Lymphoma. Cystic Fibrosis. Cancer. Depression. These friends are incredible advocates for their chronic illnesses and they have taken the time to share their burdens with others, in hopes of bringing awareness. I love you guys and I am so proud of you! 


These illnesses may be invisible to the people we pass on the street, but to us, it is a very real part of our daily lives.