In this section, everyone can share their stories of inspiration...
The first 'Inspired By' story will be shared by Jill Fornshell,
Diabetes is a disease that I have been very close to my entire life. Growing up, my best friend was diabetic and constantly having to check her blood sugar levels and inject insulin shots. At first I was almost intrigued by this “normal” routine in her life, but I soon learned how debilitating and limiting it truly was for her. I began to count my blessings that my family and myself were free from this disease. That was until my paternal grandmother was diagnosed with type II diabetes. Soon after, both my uncle and my father were diagnosed as well. This was an immediate wake up call for me. I began to see how common diabetes really is, and wondered why a cure had not been found yet.
The 216 Foundation is something that I am so proud to be a part of. Not only am I helping spread awareness in the Greater Cincinnati area, but I am also working towards finding a cure for my family members, friends, and everyone else who has been or will be diagnosed with diabetes. I truly believe that through raising both awareness and funds, we are not far from finding a cure for diabetes.
Please feel free to click on 'Add Your Comment', and share your own story of inspiration...
I am so honored to have my very close friends create such a wonderful charity for this terrible disease. My sister-in-law, Denise Obermeyer, has juvenile diabetes. My family painfully understands the importance of accurate, timely detection and well-trained physicians. Because the doctor misdiagnosed her, she suffered many strokes and spent months at Children's Hospital. My mother-in-law nursed her back to health - painstakingly reteaching her beloved teenager how to walk, talk, and even eat with a fork again. Until I married into this wonderful family, I never really understood how devastating diabetes could be. You would think the awareness would be more widespread, especially after so many families have suffered through it for years. My sister-in-law is now in her 30's, and we thank God every day for who she is, and what she brings into all of our lives with her very sweet-spirited, God-loving soul. We know she will probably never be able to get married or have children, but because of the inspiring, selfless dedication by people like Kim and Eric, we can raise the money - and the awareness - so that more innocent children's suffering will not go undetected and untreated.
My husband and I love and thank you, Kim and Eric. With special people like you, we are sure to find a cure so that stories like Denise's will no longer exist.
I, too, am a insulin-dependent diabetic. My goal, as well as every diabetics', is "tight control". Tight control means keeping your blood sugars at a normal level however that's a double-edged sword. It increases your chance of low blood sugars and the confusion and unawareness that occurs with it. Just be a little more active than expected or eat a little less to have this occur. It can occur when you're driving or at the store with your 3 yr. old. It's the "monster in the closet". My kids were afraid to be alone with me. I decided to do something about it. Some one has to be a risk taker. Someone had to 1st take insulin in 1921 and that has saved millions of diabetics lives. I'm one of about 500 people in the world who have had an Islet Cell transplant. Islet cells are the things that make insulin in our body and what diabetics lack. My transplants have been a gift! I no longer worry about the monster in the closet because I no longer have the confusion and unawareness of low blood sugars. I still take insulin however at a lower dose. I have friends who have also had this transplant who take no insulin at all! What a gift! My goal is to support research that will fine tune the islet cell transplant process so that all diabetics can enjoy the benefits without side effects. People are working on it in Cincy as well as other places in the nation and world. My young daughter once said "Mom, I'm going to be real sad if the day after you die, they cure diabetes. I, of course, was taken aback. My response? "No sweetie, you'll be proud because that will occur because of the things we did and the sacrifices we made". I'm ready to be a part of the change. Thank you, 216 Foundation, for helping that to occur.
While I have only learned of the valuable work and goals of the 216 Foundation over the past year through my work association with Eric and Kim Isham , I can think of nothing more valuable than attempting to assist in finding a cure for a debilitating and life-altering disease like diabetes.
My college roommate lost his father to Type 1 diabetes eight years ago. After 40 years working with the railroad in Paducah , Kentucky , he was looking forward to traveling and finally spending "free time" with his wife of 30+ years. Three weeks after his father's retirement, I received a call from my roommate letting me know that his father has suddenly passed away from diabetes-related complications. He was unable to enjoy the hard-earned fruits of his labors and the eventual additional grandchildren in his family.
My own Mother is currently living with the complications of Type 2 diabetes, and I can only hope and pray that it does not become a larger adjustment to her life than it has at the present time.
I invite all of you to please join me in supporting the wonderful work of the 216 Foundation in battling this terrible illness, and sending Eric, Kim and all their associates thanks for their time and efforts.
