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Dear Member,
Ahhhh! Do you smell that? There's nothing quite like the smell of a fresh breeze off the ocean on a sunny day! In case my daughter's name (Summer) didn't give it away already...I LOVE the summertime! I also LOVE the beach! In fact, I spent Memorial Day weekend at the beach with my family.
Many, if not most people, have no understanding or appreciation of what women with diabetes go through in order to have a fun, stress-free day at the pool. First, those of us who wear insulin pumps (with tubing) must plan accordingly with bathings suits and cover-ups that accommodate them. We also have to stay "plugged in" to our pump at the pool while also protecting the insulin from the blistering heat of the sun. And, as I learned this past weekend-- we must be aware of where our pump is at all times...or else you will make the same mistake that I did and inadvertently toss your insulin pump into the pool while picking up your towel! (Talk about diving into the water! I don't think my sister has ever seen me move that fast!) Lastly, taking an insulin pump into the heat, especially for days at a time can compromise the potency of insulin, as it did mine, resulting in me changing my infusion site after two days in the sun. Of course, those who take insulin injections must also manage the storage of their insulin. And all women with diabetes, even those who are not on insulin, must be aware of the location of our meters to ensure they don't get too hot in the sun-- resulting in only error messages! and we all must plan accordingly with treatment for hypoglycemia (glucose tab, snacks).
I say all of this not to say, "Diabetes is too much work." Instead, I highlight this because I want to bring a sense of awareness and appreciation to women with diabetes during the summer months. Although the general public is not aware of our challenges of doing the common, everyday things of summertime-- the Sisterhood is well aware of the strength, courage, determination, and motivation it requires and we celebrate you for it! HAPPY SUMMER!
In Sisterhood,
Brandy Barnes
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Sister Spotlight - Tanya Tai Varanelli
 I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in January 2008 a few months before my 30thbirthday. The diagnosis was a complete shock. At this point I had been dealing with GI issues for many years, and figured it was impossible that I would also have diabetes. But the more I read online, I realized I did experience some of the telltale symptoms that seemed random and disconnected. When you see those symptoms in a bulleted list with a 15.5 A1C there was no denying my new diagnosis.
At the time, I was living in Hermosa Beach, CA and my mother flew from Connecticut to attend doctors' appointments with me. I had been dating Jarred for just a few months and he was supportive from the very first day I received my diagnosis. The next few weeks were some of the most difficult of my life. I remember getting my first box of needles and bursting into tears thinking that I was going to use ALL of those needles. My employer was initially understanding and flexible, but became more restrictive and concerned about setting precedent than truly supporting my transition. I realized they were adding loads of stress on me as I was trying to learn about diabetes and how to manage life with it. Meanwhile, Jarred remained by my side through it all. We talked about moving back east to be closer to our families and got engaged a week before our cross country drive. In August 2009 we settled in Chapel Hill for a fresh start together.
I learned about DiabetesSisters through a support group in Raleigh and immediately signed up to attend the 2010 conference. I also began volunteering with Brandy as the volunteer program coordinator. I love this role because I have the opportunity to connect with inspiring women living well with diabetes who want to give back to their community.
Last August I got married and moved to Charlotte for my husband's job. We recently adopted a dog and I am settling into a life I love. I have learned to adjust to my "new normal" and find joy in my life. I've been exploring different ways to pursue a career in healthcare and plan to apply to the master's program in healthcare administration at UNC-Charlotte.
Every month I look forward to attending my local PODS group and staying in touch with my Sisters in between meetings. While I am truly grateful for the support of my family and friends, it's difficult to understand life with a chronic illness until you have lived it. That is why I am grateful for the DiabetesSisters community. That said, my husband is a true "type 3" caregiver and I could not have handled the ups and downs without him.
At a meditation class my teacher said "today is the most important day". That phrase stuck with me and eventually helped me view my blood sugars in a better light. If my sugars were crazy one day I learned to let it go, knowing that tomorrow would be a fresh start.
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DiabetesSisters News Briefs
NEWSWORTHY:
- DiabetesSisters' NEW WEBSITE HAS LAUNCHED! If you haven't visited recently, please do so now! Hopefully, the new layout will make it easier for visitors and members to find what they are looking for. The full library of photos from the 2011 Weekend for Women Conference will be posted soon.
- Melissa E. from Durham attended the 2011 Weekend for Women Conference and shared her experience online in her blog, In the Short Rows
- Allison Blass of DiabetesMine attended DiabetesSisters' recent Weekend for Women Conference in Raleigh, NC on April 29-May 1. If you've ever wondered what the conference is like or what it is all about, watch this video for an overview of the 2011 Conference in Raleigh:
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| 2011 Weekend for Women Conference |
- Discuss Diabetes Blog (powered by Sanofi-Aventis) features DiabetesSisters and the Weekend for Women Conference Series.
- The BETA version of the new and improved (and very interactive)SisterMatch program is scheduled to launch in late July/early August. Stay Tuned!
ADVOCACY/CAMPAIGNS:
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TEAM DIABETESSISTERS at the First Annual orange:will Awareness Walk
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- WHERE HAVE YOU WORN YOUR orange:will T-SHIRT? The stories of women connecting through their orange:will t-shirts are beginning to pour in! So, if you are going on vacation this summer, be sure to take your orange:will t-shirt and pose for a photo. Post your photo at www.orangewill.org with your name and the location of the photo. The Furthest Location (from Durham, NC) and theMost Creative will receive a Target gift certificate. Contest ends August 31, 2011.
UPCOMING CONFERENCES:
- SAN DIEGO, CA-DiabetesSisters is partne
 ring with Behavioral Diabetes Institute in San Diego, CA to bring theWeekend for Women Conference Series to the West Coast in 2011. The second Weekend for Women Conference will be held inSan Diego, CA October 7-9, 2011. Click here to register for the San Diego Conference. A limited number of scholarship applications will be available on the DiabetesSisters website. CLICK HERE to complete the scholarship application form for the San Diego Conference.
- RALEIGH, NC- Mark your calendars for the 2011 Weekend for Women Conference in Raleigh, NC on May 19-20. Please complete this survey about our potential "Partner's Perspective Program" for the spouses and significant others of conference attendees scheduled to take place during the same weekend at the same location.
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Volunteer of the Month:
Markee Flint
DiabetesSisters extends a sincere Thank You to
Markee Flint
Markee has been dedicated to DiabetesSisters' mission since she first found out about the organization. Markee was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in May 2009 and Celiac Disease in July 2009. Through a clinical trial, Markee met a DiabetesSisters member and jumped at the opportunity to volunteer and interact with other women with diabetes. During the same year of her dual diagnoses of diabetes and Celiac Disease, Markee served on the (first) 2010 Weekend for Women Conference Planning Committee. She also shared her inspiring personal story as a Type 1 Blogger on the DiabetesSisters website. She served on the 2011 Weekend for Women Conference Planning Committee and she now proudly serves asDiabetesSisters' Blog Team Manager.
DiabetesSisters would like to thank Markee for candidly sharing her inspiring personal story and contributing in so many meaningful ways to provide an open forum for all women with diabetes to come together and share similar experiences.
DiabetesSisters thanks Markee and each member of our volunteer team for their dedication to the organization. Your contribution is appreciated!
If you would like to be a blogger for DiabetesSisters and help others like yourself, please contact us..
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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO
OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS:
 
  
 
  
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IN THE FUTURE:
**Our NEW Column:The Emotional Impact
of Diabetes
will be available in July 2011!
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REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT:
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| DiabetesSisters' PODS Meetup Charlotte NC |
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DiabetesSisters' PODS Meetup Raleigh NC
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STAY IN TOUCH
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An Opportunity ToGive Back:
DiabetesSisters is in need of volunteers in the following areas:
If you can donate your time/expertise and want to be part of a phenomenal group of women, please contact us.
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