Up until about four years ago, I didn't know Diabetes existed, that was until I met my now wife, Adrienne Hicks (I love you!). I began researching the chronic (lifelong) disease, and I have come to the conclusion that it ranks right up with some of the most horrifying diseases out there today. And, although Diabetes is controllable, the cost and final results of the disease are expensive and tragic as no cure exists. It is a disease, where in most cases, the child must live with the effects from early childhood through to their last breath at what one can only hope is as an elderly gentleman or lady.
This project is merely a dream and a seed idea, which I hope will see its final fruition near late Spring of 2011. It will take many hours of research, preparation, and constant interaction and involvement with many people from many backgrounds and stories. I hope you will become part of this tremendous endeavor, and that it will become an occasion worth remembering in the history of theatre, diabetes, and our global community.
This is my family...This project is dedicated to you Adrienne, and the other millions of children and adults challenged by this chronic disease! I love you!!!
7 comments:
I READ THIS.
I'm glad you read it, and I hope you found it intriguing and worthwhile!
Hey John, I've been asking some of my friends this question lately, maybe you would know! What is the earliest age a child could or is usually diagnosed with Diabetes?I know your not a Dr. but it sounds like your wife has diabetes (I am just assuming from your post) and thought you might know. I ask because I am thinking of taking Peter in to the Dr...He drinks water like there's no tomorrow. It may just be habit but I just want to get it checked out. Thanks
Howdy Stefanie,
I don't know the earliest age that a child may show signs of the disease. I watched a video today, where a mother and her two 4 year old twin boys had diabetes. My wife, Adrienne, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 18. Anyway, I do know that my sister's son was drinking water and fluids "excessively". She brought him to the doctors, where they ran a series of tests. He was not diagnosed with Diabetes. So, just because Peter is drinking lots of water doesn't necessarily mean he has Juvenile Diabetes. I would strongly recommend that you have him tested for diabetes as excessive water is one of the most common symptoms of a high blood sugar. Keep me posted! I pray your little munchkin will be happy and healthy :)
Hey Stefanie, I just did a little more research and found that Diabetes can be diagnosed at any age (that is why blood sugar tests are part of new-born screenings), although most are not diagnosed with it until after age 20. Here is the site I checked out http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000305.htm
Send me an e-mail sometime if you want to chat more... jdhicks@theater.umass.edu
Jon,
My dad was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes around age 5. It was because of this disease that he went completely blind by the age of 22. The medical opinion back then (1950's) was that he would probably not live to the age of 35. Well, God is great & the medical industry developed some great things. I'm happy to say he lived to 52 years old. He lived an amazing life as a blind man. I can't tell you all the stories I've heard over the years of the things he was able to do and not be afraid of them. I'm proud to say that I learned alot from my dad. I had an amazing relationship with him, & though he passed in 2002, I miss him greatly.
Thank you for the oppourtunity to write something about him.
Bob Butler
Thank you Bob for sharing! Your dad was a very amazing man, with his gentle demeanor I felt that he always commanded the greatest respect. We should try and have coffee or lunch together when I come to town in a couple of weeks. August 1 to 12... :)
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