The DDG received a heartfelt message from a woman who has dominated diabetes for 60+ years. I wept while listening because SO much of her message hit home. She described her passion for art and successful career as an artist while battling diabetic retinopathy. Feeling defeated by a recent trip to the eye doctor, she couldn’t enjoy a single moment of her exhibition. Diabetes had robbed her of happiness and replaced it with a dark cloud. Could she still be an artist if/when she lost her eyesight?
I rarely talk about it, but I was fortunate to receive vocational rehabilitation to assist me with my tuition, books, etc. Even though I was thankful for the help, I was limited as to what I could study and art was on that list. When I inquired, they explained should/when I go blind, I would no longer be employable. Shattering news because it confirmed what I had feared growing up with diabetes. I had no desire to be an artist, but the fact this damn disease could prevent me from doing so was soul crushing…. I graduated with an Environmental Geography degree instead.
Fast forward 15 years – After a successful couple of years as a jewelry and tee shirt designer, I opened the doors to Dreamer Concepts: A Community Art Space and have been working with artists for about 10 years. I didn’t pursue traditional art, more fine craft and created Dreamer Concepts to help emerging artists. The recent message hit home because she is living the dream, even when major artistic/diabetic obstacles present themselves. Take That Diabetes!!!!
As T1Ds, I believe we have a tendency to suffer in silence, but she had the courage to reach out, to express her anger and feelings of defeat. In reaching out to her, it reminded me of a post I wrote in the first month, Do You Suffer In Silence? I reread it and could relate to her feelings of being robbed in a time when the average person would be rejoicing. No one knew I was suffering and I think that made it worse. I applaud her for expressing her frustration and feel confident she will continue to thrive no matter what curveballs diabetes throws her.
I hope to hear from fellow T1Ds who have broken the glass ceiling by pursuing a career that was not encouraged. You never know who you might inspire to follow their dreams.
Tuesday Topic: Does Diabetes Limit Your Career Path? I sure hope not! http://t.co/NKb4z94REX http://t.co/AvmrSybd7d
I worked with voc rehab for my schooling too. My specialist said he didn’t think nursing would be a good idea, just because what if all that did happen. I told him, I will worry about that, I’m doing nursing. Because of my degree in nursing I can now teach diabetes which is what I love. So now I get the chance to help others avoid dealing with complications due to diabetes. It’s been a blessing to get to do what I want to do and what I enjoy doing. With the exception of few legal mandates, there are no limitations to what PWDs can achieve. The only limitiation is what you will let yourself achieve.
@diabetesUS1 The DDG just posted something involving this subject matter, http://t.co/1CDHglYAGg.
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