My Diabetes Advocacy Plan

Disclaimer: Diabetes Hands Foundation provided me with a scholarship to MasterLab 2016 which included transportation, lodging, and conference admission. However all opinions posted about the event are my own. Thank you!

MasterLab 2016 was such a wonderful experience! It was run a little different this year, but overall I was happy with the event. I would have enjoyed more time collaborating and getting to know the other advocates (especially the Latino group, full of energy!) Several people have written about their experiences. You can read about them here. I'm going to write more about what I learned about myself and advocacy.

During MasterLab 2016, we were given a workbook and asked to fill it out during and at the end of each session. The idea was that the workbook would guide us in creating our own advocacy plan. 

Confession time: I guess sometimes teachers make the worst students. I didn't fill mine out during the conference. I made notes on a couple pages, but I really didn't grasp how useful of a tool this was until I hear others reading the "Diabetes Advocates Mad-Libs" at the end of the book. The last page took key points from each of the previous pages and combined them all into a nicely written advocacy plan. Well, I finally filled mine out - tonight. Yes, 22 days later. I wish I would have done this three weeks ago! (Forgive me, Mike!)

Below you will find my advocacy plan using the template and prompts from the MasterLab "Personal Advocacy Plan" workbook. (Click on the link to get your own workbook!)

I believe that...

People with Type 2 diabetes need access to the tools they need to manage their disease without stigma and a one size fits all approach.

But it doesn't have to be that way. I want to live in a world where...

The patient and the medical team both have access to factual information and the resources needed.

If more people understood...

Type 2 diabetes does not need the stigma of blame, rather care and understanding with the tools and resources individualized to help each person live a healthy life.

Then we would eliminate...

People with Type 2 living with stigma and blame every day, making it a struggle to reach out for the resources and tools they need.

The next thing I will do to combat this problem is...

I plan to start with my own doctor, educating him in a non-confrontational way during my own appointments to help him understand diabetes in a person, not a textbook.

I recognize that I'm not the only one doing this work. When possible, I will try to partner with...

Those that are also working to make a difference, like the diabetes online community (DOC), to help guide me toward reliable and valid resources to share.

And I understand that I can make a greater impact if I am healthy. Therefore I plan on...

Doing the things that make me happy and rejuvenate me without guilt.

Can't go to #MasterLab?

This will be my third year at MasterLab, a day full of advocacy sessions. I've been honored to receive a scholarship to attend through Diabetes Hands Foundation for my work as a Diabetes Advocate. My travel, hotel, and conference fees have been covered. Of course all the thoughts, opinions, excitement, and selfies that will flood Facebook, Twitter, and my blog are my own. (Disclaimer... check!)

We have been given information about how those of you who can't be there can attend virtually. Here's the scoop:

We are going to attempt to stream the MasterLab sessions LIVE next Wednesday using PERISCOPE. There is a chance that technology won't play nicely...so please be patient and understanding! Follow Diabetes Hands Foundation on Periscope at: https://www.periscope.tv/diabeteshf/ and follow us on Twitter to get the specific URL to the live stream on Wednesday morning. And like the previous two MasterLab events, video of all of the speakers will be archived on YouTube shortly after the event.

Diabetes Hands Foundation can be found on Twitter at: @diabeteshf  Videos of previous years can be found on their website for 2014 and 2015. 

I hope you join us! Watch for #MasterLab on Twitter! The official event is Wednesday, July 6, but the excitement starts NOW!

The Faces of #MasterLab on Twitter

One of the resources I was introduced to during MasterLab was the database created by Symplur. They have created what they call the Healthcare Hashtag Project. You can search for Twitter hashtags based on tweet chats, conferences, various diseases, etc. What a wealth of information! I can't even begin to explain this resource, but if you head over to their site and play around a bit, I'll bet you'll be amazed like I was (and still am!).

According to Symplur, these were the faces of the MasterLab hashtag on Twitter between July 5 and July 10, 2015.  (Screen shot taken on July 11, 2015.)

Now to put some names (or Twitter usernames) to the faces. The first column are the top ten people mentioned with the hashtag MasterLab while the second column contains the top ten people tweeting about MasterLab, using the hashtag. It was lovingly brought to my attention that I tweet a lot. For those of you not on Twitter, yes, I am @rfamsramblings. You can tell that I am passionate about MasterLab! (Screen shot taken on July 11, 2015.)

Some of these people were attending MasterLab while others were following along from home. Some represent businesses or non-profits, while many are individuals who live with diabetes as part of their daily lives. (I'll admit that I know that there's at least one "bot" in the first screen shot above which automatically retweets sporadic posts.)

Regardless our role in the diabetes community, we share a common goal: access for all until a cure is found!

Countdown to #MasterLab

On Monday, July 6th, I will be on a plane to Orlando, Florida for MasterLab. I've posted about my anticipation again this year, but what is MasterLab exactly?

According to Diabetes Hands Foundation:

MasterLab is about building a sense of what is possible in Diabetes Advocacy. If you are called to advocacy MasterLab will connect you with people, resources and skills be be a better advocate. The best way to get a feel for Master Lab are the slides and video archive from the Diabetes Advocates MasterLab from the summer of 2014 at the bottom of this page. It was presented by the Diabetes Hands Foundation in collaboration with Children with Diabetes.

Last year's MasterLab involved a single day. This year, the event covers a day and a half. I love that it has expanded. Personally, I would like to see it grow even more as the interest in advocacy grows. Although an exact schedule isn't available as of yet, here is what we're looking at so far:

Tuesday, July 7, 2015 – 7:30am to 4:30pm
Presentations and panel discussions 

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 – 8:30am to 12:20pm
Focus Groups

(Edited to add: I just got a copy of the agenda. See it here.)

There is an "after hours" adult only networking event on Tuesday night that participants can register to attend as well.

I'm counting down! My flight and room have been reserved as well as registration for MasterLab completed.* Yesterday I scheduled a taxi to and from the airport out here. All that is left is my online check-in for the flight the day before and packing my bags. Oh what to bring! I'll need to make sure I have rooms for souvenirs for the family (and me!).

It's not too late to sign up. Go to the MasterLab registration page to join us. If you would like to try to win a free trip to MasterLab, Medtronic is having a contest. Go here and fill out the form by Sunday, June 28. I hope to see you there!

*Disclaimer: I have been offered a scholarship by the Diabetes Hands Foundation as part of my participation in the Diabetes Advocates program to attend the MasterLab. My travel, conference fees, and hotel are being covered by the scholarship, but the opinions and ideas (as well as excitement and anticipation) I will report on are my own.

I did it! #gradschoolmama now #mastersmama

On May 15th, I received a Master of Science in Education with a major in Reading. This was after three years of hard work, lots of tears, and many sleepless nights. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of myself!

My family has been my biggest cheerleaders during this time. Their understanding, support, and encouragement kept me going when I wanted to give up. They told me that I was capable when I felt like I was going to fail. I honestly didn't know how I was going to make it through this last semester. With their love and gentle shoves to keep going, I not only graduated, but I did so with straight As! Yes, I earned every point of that 4.0 GPA!

The DOC (diabetes online community) has been a constant support during this time as well. I found out that the hashtag #youcandothis is not just relevant to diabetes management, but all parts of my life. When I felt discouraged, I knew that there were others facing obstacles, too. Many were far more challenging. If they could do it, so could I.

What's next? For starters, this summer will be dedicated to my family. I will not be taking classes or tutoring. We will be hanging out, gardening, reading, and just relaxing together. Of course I will be attending MasterLab in July, but they're understanding and supportive of my diabetes advocacy work. In August I will be setting up my classroom for the year, something I'm looking forward to doing (and some of my kids have asked to help).  I have decided that I will wait a year before even considering the idea of taking anymore graduate level classes. I'm not sure what I want to do next, but for now I'm going to enjoy where I am.

My blog has also been neglected, so I plan to start posting again on a more regular basis. Stay tuned!

MasterLab 2015: Save the Date!

Last year I attended MasterLab in Orlando, FL thanks to a scholarship from Diabetes Hands Foundation (see disclaimer below). Well I am excited to share that I will be going to MasterLab again this year (recycled disclaimer, but even more excited this year!). This is an amazing opportunity for anyone affected by diabetes, regardless of type, to get together and talk about advocacy. Caregivers and patient advocates working side by side. It doesn't matter what type since we're all in this together.

If you want to read more about last year's event, click on "MasterLab" at the end of my post under labels. I even have links to other blogs describing their experiences!

July 7 and 8 are the dates for MasterLab 2015.  (Click for more information)

MasterLab 2014

We're all in this together - regardless of type!

Disclaimer: I have been offered a scholarship by the Diabetes Hands Foundation as part of my participation in the Diabetes Advocates program to attend the MasterLab. My travel, conference fees, and hotel are being covered by the scholarship, but the opinions and ideas (as well as excitement and anticipation) I will report on are my own.

#MasterLab Recap from Other Bloggers

I've been trying to read as many recaps about the recent MasterLab as I can, but since I can't read them all at once and it's hard to keep track of everyone's entries - I thought I'd make a blog page where I can list them as I find them. I figure others may want to read them, too!

How to organize them? I think I'll just group them randomly but date published. I think pre-MasterLab and then by dates until July 15th (then I'll call them post-MasterLab) will probably work (I reserve the right to tweak this method as I see fit).

So here we go... (Work in progress!)

Pre-MasterLab
Type 2s at #FFL? #MasterLab!
Countdown to #MasterLab at #CWDFFL14
Upcoming Events

MasterLab / #CWDFFL14.

Masterlab: Tides are Rising

On My Way To Diabetes Land - Children With Diabetes Friends For Life 2014!!

July 2, 2014 (Day of MasterLab)

July 3, 2014 (Day after MasterLab)

July 4, 2014
Diabetes Advocates – MasterLab #masterlab #cwdffl14

July 5, 2014
FDA Basics for Diabetes Advocacy

Powerful Lessons from the Diabetes Advocates MasterLab

July 6, 2014
#MasterLab - From Strangers to Friends

July 7, 2014
#MasterLab Wardrobe
I’m out of my box

Unpacking.

 #MasterLab: What I learned, and what I experienced.

July 8, 2014
My #MasterLab Ask
#MasterLab: What I learned, and what I experienced. (part 2)

July 9, 2014
#MasterLab Wordless Wednesday
Suddenly, Bloggers.

Room full of icons.

July 10, 2014
Rolling up my sleeves
Insights from the First-Ever Diabetes Advocacy MasterLab

#MasterLab: Advocacy and Movement.

Free Write: Friends For Life 2014

Friends For Life: #Masterlab

July 11, 2014
#MasterLab and the Green Bracelet

July 12, 2014

July 13, 2014

July 14, 2014
#MasterLab Debrief.

Stop The #Dstigma & Run With The Diabetes Advocacy

And Beyond!
Friends for Life 2014 – Pictures and First Thoughts
My Day at MasterLab (According to Twitter)

#MasterLab and the Green Bracelet

Last week I attended MasterLab. Although it was held at the same time as Friends for Life (FFL), it really wasn't part of the FFL conference. Technically we were in collaboration with the event. Although I was *at* FFL I wasn't really *part* of FFL. It was one step forward from starting as the kids that weren't invited to the "party" at all to the kids that were only invited for just part of the "party".

Participants in FFL receive a bracelet at registration. Green is for those with Type 1 diabetes, and orange is for their family members. There is no color for Type 2. If a Type 2 is at the conference it is only because they have a family member with Type 1, so they receive an orange bracelet. (There is also a yellow bracelet for those who need to eat gluten free.)

My Type 1 friends at MasterLab accepted me as just another PWD (person with diabetes). They didn't feel I should be excluded from the "party" - especially the adult get-together the evening of MasterLab.

I had left the table for a little while during one of our breaks. When I returned, I found a green bracelet in my spot. I looked over at the two Type 1s that were sitting next to me (who I will keep anonymous unless they want to come forward), wondering if the bracelet was really for me. With big smiles on their faces, they said they wanted to make sure I got into the gathering that evening.

My green bracelet experience was amazing. I saw it as full acceptance, at least by those attending MasterLab. I know the look on my face when I saw it at my place at the table was like a little kid and said, “Really? Am I really fully accepted into the group?” At that moment I didn't feel like a Type 2 who was allowed in for just part of the party. I felt like just another PWD. The type didn't matter at that point.

During MasterLab, someone mentioned the possibility of a different color for Type 2s if we continue working with FFL. At first I agreed. However the more I think about it, I’d rather it just be one color for PWD – regardless of type!

I’m still wearing my green bracelet and probably won’t take it off until it falls off!

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Disclaimer: I was offered a scholarship by the Diabetes Hands Foundation as part of my participation in the Diabetes Advocates program to attend the MasterLab. My conference fee, travel, and hotel were covered by the scholarship, but the opinions and ideas I will report on are my own.

#MasterLab Wordless Wednesday

How can I express my time at MasterLab?

Let's try some pictures....

I wish we could see each other more often!

We had so much fun together! Type 1s, Type 2s, Type 3s!

(and an alert dog!)

We're more alike than different!

My #MasterLab Ask

On Wednesday, July 2, I attended MasterLab. This day of advocacy by Diabetes Hands Foundation occurred at the Friends for Life convention in Orlando, FL. One of the sessions was called, "Making a Successful Ask" with David Lee Strasberg. In this session we were challenged to work on asking others for funding or assistance related to a cause.

It is important to build relationships with the people or companies which will help when you go to ask for funding for your cause. Share your story and build upon a common mission. Express your vision which should not be more than a sentence. “I want to see a world where....” or “I want to be in a world where...” are good starting points. The overall ask, especially if it will be repeated to several people, should not take more than a minute. We were told to think about what we would want to ask others, practice it, then get out there an ask. Find a way for others to help and take action, too.

What is my ask?

By finding your way to my blog, you are aware that I am a person living with Type 2 diabetes. Every day I deal with trying to educate people who have been given misinformation about this disease. Every day I deal with the stereotypes of Type 2 diabetes. I dream of the day when I can say "I have Type 2 diabetes" and I'm looked at with compassion instead of blame.

My goal is to work toward educating others about Type 2 diabetes. This starts with better educating myself and those closest to me then progressing to the diabetes community as a whole - Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, gestational, etc. It is through educating ourselves that we can then educate others. One way I plan to educate myself and others is through the resources of the American Diabetes Association. The ADA was the organization I went to when I was first diagnosed with gestational diabetes over 21 years ago. They are the ones I went to when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes six years ago.

As a way to say "thank you" and continue to educate others using the resources of the ADA, I am asking each of you reading this today to sponsor me whatever amount you can afford or care to donate toward the American Diabetes Association's Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. Through your donation, you are helping further the mission of the ADA in providing education and support. Although I might not be able to make it to the actual walk due to my graduate school schedule in the fall, I still plan on raising as much money as I can to give back to this organization that helped me when I was scared and overwhelmed. Would you please make a donation? You can find my donation page here.

Thank you!

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Disclaimer: I was offered a scholarship by the Diabetes Hands Foundation as part of my participation in the Diabetes Advocates program to attend the MasterLab. My conference fee, travel, and hotel were covered by the scholarship, but the opinions and ideas I will report on are my own.

#MasterLab Wardrobe

(c)DiabetesRamblings

In preparation for MasterLab at Friends for Life, I purchased some diabetes-related t-shirts. I thought I'd share here where I got those shirts in case anyone else wanted to get one for themselves or a loved one.

Tuesday:
Big Blue Test t-shirt from Diabetes Hands Foundation - This t-shirt was designed to advertise Big Blue Test. I wore this shirt to the airport in hopes I'd meet others attending MasterLab. Unfortunately I didn't meet anyone until I got on the shuttle to the hotel at the Orlando airport, but that's ok.

Wednesday:
As a salute to the DOC (diabetes online community) and the collaboration that I knew would occur at MasterLab, I wore this great DOC t-shirt designed by my DOC friend, Mike Durbin. I loved this shirt so much that I wore it to church on Sunday (after doing laundry) as I thought about all those who live with diabetes every day.

This picture was taken with NASCAR driver and PWD (person with diabetes, Ryan Reed. I have to admit that I was take aback for just a moment about his age. He's a couple months younger than my oldest child. How exciting he's accomplished so much and is an amazing advocate!

Thursday:
In honor of my children who I would see that evening, I wore a shirt that said, "Diabetic moms make the sweetest kids." I got it at a CafePress store I found while searching for more diabetes-related t-shirts.

I had fun getting my picture taken with Lenny the Lion, mascot for Medtronic.

Friday:
Although I knew I wouldn't be at MasterLab, I wanted another shirt for Blue Fridays. This t-shirt is the simple blue circle design used by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).  Since I spent the day relaxing with my family, I didn't think to get a picture of me wearing the shirt. Can you tell where my cat's favorite nap spot is?

Saturday:

(c)DiabetesRamblings

This shirt wasn't bought before MasterLab and Friends for Life. I received a special request from a local friend a few days before I left for Florida. She had spotted a t-shirt on Facebook that would be sold at the conference by the Diabetes Research Institute. On the front it said, "#diaBEATthis" with the DRI logo on the back.

She was hoping I'd pick up a t-shirt for her while I was at the conference. Of course! After seeing the t-shirt, I had to have one for myself as well. The picture was taken with two bottles of Diet Coke, one saying "friends" and the other "family".

I'm glad I had an excuse to increase my diabetes wardrobe!

#MasterLab - From Strangers to Friends

(This is the first in a series of posts about my experience at MasterLab which was held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, in Orlando, Florida.)

On Tuesday (July 1), I flew to Florida to attend Master-lab which was on Wednesday. This day of advocacy by Diabetes Hands Foundation occurred at the Friends for Life convention in Orlando, FL. Let me start by saying that I was beyond excited to be offered a scholarship to attend (see disclaimer below). I would not have been able to attend with out it. After the initial excitement, I started the planning stage. I have to admit that I started to freak out a bit. The last time I flew was June 2001. Yes, before 9/11 and all the strict TSA security rules. I started reading up on these rules. The night before I left I dealt with a bad thunderstorm and insomnia. My stomach was a mess that morning.

All went well with my first ever taxi ride and as I went through security. I admit that I closed my eyes and prayed as we took off. Overall the flight wasn't bad though we had a little turbulence here and there. I started to concentrate on MasterLab and my DOC friends who would be there. We landed in Orlando and I made my way to the shuttle that would take me to the hotel.

As I approached the van, there was someone waving in the window with a big smile. The van door opened, and I heard, "SUE!" How exciting it was to see Kim (the one waving), Rachel, and Kerri. What was even more exciting, more than recognizing them right away, was that they recognized me. ME? Kerri and Kim are big names in the DOC. But me? I almost started crying!

The rest of the evening was spent connecting with online friends as if we were long-time face-to-face friends and getting to know so many other wonderful people. It didn't matter if we were Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3. We were all friends with a common mission - to advocate and educate until a cure can be found.

During MasterLab, I got to meet so many wonderful people. I was excited to have at my table people like Kate, Aliza, and Karen. As I sat next to the wonderful Cherise, I asked if I could get a picture with her. She enthusiastically said yes. Both of us used our phones to get selfies to post online. The picture she posted on Twitter of us included the caption, "from strangers to friends."

From strangers to friends. I miss you, my friends. Until we meet again...

Disclaimer: I was offered a scholarship by the Diabetes Hands Foundation as part of my participation in the Diabetes Advocates program to attend the MasterLab. My travel and hotel were covered by the scholarship, but the opinions and ideas I will report on are my own.

Countdown to #MasterLab at #CWDFFL14

In about 12 hours, I will be waking up and getting ready for my cab ride to the airport. Then I'll board an airplane to Orlando to attend the MasterLab sessions at the Friends For Life conference. Diabetes Hands Foundation is hosting a day full of sessions on advocacy.

Patient advocacy. Working with pharmaceutical companies. Learning from advocates with other medical conditions. Talking to medical professionals. Collaboration. Exciting opportunities!

I will try to tweet as we go from @RFamsRamblings and blogging when I can. Anything you'd like me to make sure we discuss? Leave your comments below.

For more information, check out this link:
http://diabeteshandsfoundation.org/masterlab-for-diabetes-advocates/

Type 2s at #FFL? #MasterLab!

This probably sounds silly, but for the last few years I've been jealous of Type 1s and their families. Why? Friends for Life (#FFL). This conference is sponsored by Children With Diabetes (CWD) and is designed for people with Type 1 diabetes and their families. I felt like a kid not invited to a birthday party.

This year there is an event at FFL with Type 2s on the invite list: Diabetes Hands Foundation's MasterLab. Want to spend a day talking about advocacy? MasterLab is for you! Recently I was made aware of this day of advocacy discussion and asked to attend as a person with Type 2 diabetes (see disclaimer below). After looking at the schedule, how could I say no?

I would love to see more Type 2s at this event so I wanted to help put the word out. Here's a special deal for those attending FFL already:

Diabetes Hands Foundation offers this MasterLab in collaboration with Children with Diabetes (CWD).  Registered participants in CWD’s Friends for Life conference are welcome to join the MasterLab as part of their experience at no additional cost. Separate registration for the MasterLab is required.  

(Note: There's more information on the MasterLab page if you want to take advantage of this offer.)

The excitement and anticipation grows as I try to figure out what to pack, find out which of my diabetes online community (DOC) friends will be there, and figure out what bag will fit under the seat in a 16"x14"x12"  space to carry my clothes and laptop.

Are you going to FFL or MasterLab? Let me know! Maybe we can meet up!

Disclaimer: I have been offered a scholarship by the Diabetes Hands Foundation as part of my participation in the Diabetes Advocates program to attend the MasterLab. My travel and hotel are being covered by the scholarship, but the opinions and ideas (as well as excitement and anticipation) I will report on are my own.