Lock, Load, Motivate: The Choice is Yours!

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Ideas to get you going.

By Tom Karlya

Well it’s November – Diabetes Awareness Month. One can sit back and wait, or one can stand up, set some goals, and find the motivation to get going.

Two things have happened recently that I’d like to share: Manny Hernandez and his Diabetes Hands Foundation and we, at the Diabetes Research Institute, each had the glimmer of an idea completely autonomous of each other. Big ideas! When one started to think about it, it could never come to pass. The ideas were huge. But they started. They started with baby steps and the ideas grew and grew and grew.

When Manny spoke to me and shared his idea that he was going to be creating a viral campaign, and I told him we were also, there were a few seconds of ‘wait a minute.’ We quickly realized that the respect we had for the work we were involved with to help others far superseded any overlapping on outreach and we decided, “Hey, let’s help each other.” We set that as our goal and that is exactly what we tried to achieve. And we did.

So I share these ideas with you because if you have a goal that seems too big—whether it is fund raising ideas, eating healthier, or even monitoring your blood glucose numbers better—start with the first step. It can even be a small step. And if it seems an obstacle might get in your way, embrace it, and work with it. You may even find someone who you can work with to cheer you on and motivate you until you reach your goals.

As I have lectured around this great country of ours, I have constantly used the phrase “Just Don’t Do Nothing.” It amazes me how many people wait for someone else to do something when it comes to the world of diabetes. To be clear, I am also just amazed at how many people actually try to make a difference and do wonderful things.

The simple truth is that research will not be funded without money; education will not be taught without volunteers; and people in need will not be helped without action. So today, in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, I would like to ask you to look in the mirror and ask yourself “What are you doing to make a difference?” Then, offer two great ways you can help this November.

The first thing you can do is help our good friend Manny from the Diabetes Hands Foundation. Visit BigBlueTest.org and follow the directions. Manny needs to have 100,000 visits and he will be given $75,000 to help the Life for a Child Program and Insulin for life.

Now why would I be asking you to help another nonprofit organization? Because it is a good thing to do, that’s why. Our only competition should be diabetes, to defeat it wherever and however it shows its ugly face.

The second thing you can do is to literally be a part of the "CURE" by making a donation (as little as $10) and uploading a photo and personal story into the virtual mosaic that spells the word C-U-R-E. You will be able to see the collage filling up with thousands of photos and stories, and you can search for yourself and those you know. Two corporations supporting this effort have agreed to match up to the first $25,000. The final CURE image – with your photo – will be printed on a giant banner that will hang in the Diabetes Research Institute. Additionally, those who make a minimum donation of $50 will receive a mouse pad with the final CURE image.

We are utilizing many people to send out videos; if you get one, please help by sending it to others. We have enlisted celebs, sports celebs, and even diabetes celebs to help us drive traffic to the site. It is really going to be incredible.

So go to BePartoftheCure.org and take part! Remember, the first $25,000 will be matched. So do something this November you’ll feel good about.

I want to personally thank dLife for allowing me to discuss this subject in this month’s column. In fair disclosure, I work at the Diabetes Research Institute as well. This is a project that anyone and everyone can participate. This is not about an organization, it is about something Manny is doing and we are doing to help make a difference.

So set a goal for yourself this month in honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, and also help Manny’s organization…and ours.

It would be nice if it all worked out. It would be nice if everyone helped each other. Wouldn’t it?

I’m a Diabetes Dad.

Read more of Tom Karlya's Diabetes Dad columns here.

Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not all medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.