Your Story by Rebecca Kelly

Your Story by Rebecca Kelly

Have you ever thought about sharing your story?  You are unique...there is only one special you.  Only you can share your one-of-a-kind story that will inspire, motivate, and encourage another in this diabetes journey.  

You might think, “Oh, my story is not so important”, or “My story is just ordinary”…No!!  It isn’t!!  You are extraordinary and you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  We all remember the moment we heard that diagnosis, “You have diabetes”.  Processing the initial sounds of those words and learning how to proceed are overwhelming steps and affect each of us differently.  

Your story could be the catalyst that brings about much needed change.  Look at Kevin’s Law and Alec’s Bill now passing in individual states.  Unfortunately, Kevin and Alec passed away from insulin rationing but their lives were not forgotten.  Their lives mean something….it is a demand for improved legislation so others have access to medication they need.  

We must focus on what we can do, one step at a time.  Impossible has no place as we fight the battle to survive.  Our story can bring education and awareness to those unfamiliar with diabetes, unfamiliar with the health challenges, and unfamiliar with the cost to live.  I shared parts of my story on Facebook and received many comments from those who had “no idea” what I am going through and how the broken healthcare system is structured for big pharma benefit and not the patients benefit.   The story of positive change surrounds Alec Smith’s memory.   Alec’s mom, Nicole Smith Holt, is a strong advocate fighting for high insulin prices to be lowered.  She engages beyond her own state as she has experienced firsthand the loss of her son due to high insulin costs.  Nicole Smith Holt is the T1International #insulin4all leader of her state.  She is sharing Alec’s story and keeping his memory alive and active in these legal battles, doing good in his name.

I challenge you to share your story, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Connecting with our community of friends and family to share how diabetes impacts us opens doors of opportunity.  Education needs to happen on all levels.  I recently filed an appeal with a healthcare cost sharing organization regarding a higher required monthly premium due to my diabetes.  They will not consider my appeal until I provide nutrition and exercise logs.  I became so angry and realize that education also needs to happen at the most inner levels of insurance companies.  My response to them was, “I can provide exercise and nutrition logs to you until I am blue in the face, it will not change the fact that I am diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.  This is a disease not a lifestyle choice”.  A letter from my endocrinologist was not enough to push through my appeal.  I have yet to get a response, it has been right at a month.  

Our stories can push boundaries, educate the ignorant, and bring clarity to those who lack understanding about this disease.  

Share your story, use your voice and experience, we truly can change the future.  Your story is significant, your story has meaning, your story can be the catalyst for change.  It is not impossible.  

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