To Diabetes,

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say to you. I think I felt a strong mix of emotions. Anger, disappointment, frustration and fear. Seeing so many of my loved ones pass on because of you has been hard and hurtful. Not only that you have affected me and my family deeply. I can live with my diagnosis but to take my beautiful daughters as well has made me stronger. To be that positive role model for them in their own diagnosis.

Although through all of this, I feel positive. I have hope that we may find a cure for diabetes. It has taught me forgiveness, understanding and empathy to everyone affected by this disease.

It has brought me and my daughters closer together because of our diagnosis’ we have built a relationship that is like no other. To have the support of one another is something I would never have wished for or wanted for any of my children.

And for you I am grateful for my health, for the ability to be more conscious of what matters to me, to be a leader to my children so that we can live with and manage you.

I will not let you take any more of me or my family. Together we will live life to the fullest while we continue our fight against Diabetes.

Sincerely,

Marisa