Although FIRSTs are often scary because you never really know what to expect, I have learned that much growth occurs as a result of FIRSTs.  I can certainly tell you that I was scared and anxious after we decided to move forward with our FIRST Conference in 2010. The FIRST time I spoke with a potential sponsor and proposed our Conference concept to them was nerve-racking.  Then, when registration opened on Jan 1, 2010 and I waited patiently for the FIRST person to register, I was a wreck!  And then, there was the FIRST Conference and all of the planning it entailed.  Can you imagine how stressed out I was in the last few minutes before the FIRST Conference started on May 22, 2010??!?    YES, FIRSTs are stressful and anxiety-provoking, but when I think about ALL that I learned and how much I have grown as a person and as a leader because I persevered through these FIRSTs, I can honestly say that I wouldn't go back and erase any of those FIRSTs for the world!

This year, I will focus on the gift that every FIRST brings to me.  I know that there is an important lesson and some important growth that will occur as a result of each "FIRST"-- especially those mentioned in the first paragraph.  I hope you will join us in some of these FIRSTs.  More importantly, I hope you will embrace each and every FIRST that you encounter this year and persevere through it so that you can experience the true feelings of triumph and accomplishment afterward.  Triumphing through many FIRSTs may even give you enough confidence to try some FIRSTs that you would have never imagined possible!  (Who knows?  Maybe you'll go sky diving or snorkeling for the first time in 2012!  or maybe you'll walk in your first Diabetes Awareness Walk for Women! Maybe, just maybe, you'll make some important lifestyle changes and stick to them the whole year-- for the FIRST time!)

Help us reach 1,000 by June 1!

I am an active, passionate, 53-year-old woman who has Type 1 diabetes. I have been married for 34 years. We have four children and five grandchildren.

Our youngest child was three years old when I became very ill with a virus that attacked my pancreas.  Overnight, I became a mother with four young children and a disease that I knew nothing about.

Information on diabetes was plentiful but seemed to always be filled with the horrors of the disease.  I decided that I would rise above the negativity and tackle the disease head on. After twenty-two years with diabetes, I have encountered lots of life adjustments and I now use an insulin pump that we now call "my pancreas".  What I have discovered is that most of my greatest challenges have led to some of my most amazing accomplishments!

"Educate and advocate," has become my motto. Passion and raw energy ignite within me! Joining support groups and using creative outlets has helped me to use my raw energy for motivation, education and fundraising. For the past six years, I have led Millbrook Elementary School's team in the JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes. For several years, I was a team captain in the ADA Walk For Diabetes. In 2001, I raised over $3,000 and ran a marathon with the American Diabetes Association to prove that I was capable of setting and reaching a personal goal! I completed the marathon in Kona, Hawaii in six hours and 4 minutes! It is one of my greatest accomplishments! In fact, I had never run prior to my training for the marathon. Almost ten years later, I continue to keep active with much shorter runs, walking, bike riding, working out at the gym, playing with my grandchildren and hula hooping.

I attended my first Weekend for Women Conference in the Spring of 2011 and began attending monthly PODS Meetups in the Fall. Through the PODS Meetups, I finally found a support group just for me -- a positive and interactive group of women living with diabetes.  The women I have met provide great examples of looking past the negative to achieve great heights with diabetes! I look forward to building stronger bonds with my DiabetesSisters.

I cannot say I am thankful for diabetes, but I am grateful that I have become a stronger person. I may be a "middle-aged woman with diabetes," but I plan to continue being active, growing stronger and hoping to inspire others.

Your DiabetesSister,

Karen Vettel

The orange:will Diabetes Awareness Walk is now in full effect!  You'd better get started now if you want a chance at winning the Grand Prize for the top fundraiser!  Even if you don't plan to raise funds, we still want you to join us to take a stand for women with diabetes on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 8am in downtown Raleigh, NC. And if you won't be in town on May 20th, you can register as a Virtual Walker!

• ABC11 will be the Official Media Sponsor and Zevia will be the Official Beverage Sponsor of the 2012 orange:will Diabetes Awareness Walk!

• REGISTRATION OPENED ON Jan 1, 2012 for the 2012 Weekend for Women Conference and the Partner's Perspective Program which will take place in Raleigh, NC on May 18- 20, 2012. On Day 1, 25 women and 8 partners registered! Get your spot (and one for your partner) before they are gone!  (Limited to first 100 registrants)
Have you wondered what it was like to attend a Weekend for Women Conference? Photos say a thousand words!