Testimonials from Divabetic - Makeover Your Diabetes
from New Orleans--
AIN'T NO STOPPIN' DIVABETIC YOU'RE ON THE MOVE AND YOU'VE GOT THE GROOVE.....!!
Thanks for inviting us to be part of Novo Nordisk Presents Divabetic - Makeover Your Diabetes in New Orleans. We had a wonderful experience. You all are an inspiration. It is a blessing to touch the lives of others who are faced with the challenges of diabetes!! My great grandparents acquired diabetes in their later years and two of my grandparents are living with diabetes. I would love to become a part of the Divabetic Family and host Divabetic monthly meetings at my studio ... There is a great need to educate the masses; youths and adults about healthy living physically, mentally, and spiritually. DIVABETIC covers all aspects! ENCORE!!
BeNisa Forte' / Executive Director
Ethnotricity Cultural Arts Studio
www.ethnotricity1.com
from New Orleans--
Dear Divabetic Team,
Thank you for coming to New Orleans and being such an inspiration for so many living with diabetes. There was learning, hope and joy and even the volunteers knew that what they were doing was special to those who came. In New Orleans we are so focused on the structures that need fixing - such as houses and infrastructure. The stories that so many in that room could tell of the struggles of their lives in this post Katrina world would be heart rending. But for that moment on Saturday these people could live beyond that. Sometimes we forget that personal joy needs to be energized. Your whole team was so very special. They were a great example of what is right with our country. So much genuine caring for others was the hallmark of everyone who came and worked so hard. You filled the atmosphere of an already lovely setting with your kindness. Thank you for caring about New Orleans and its people - especially those who are living with diabetes. A special thanks to Max, Jeff and Winston who began the adventure after the death of Luther.
Send my love to all.
Paulette K
from Philadelphia--
"Thank u very much 2 everyone who put 2gether divabetic event in philly on wed.11-1-06. Besides having a good time, everyone helped me express myself,of 11 years of havin type 2. My new diva friends listened 2 me, gave me solutions, patience and time. The night was truly magical. Since Wednesday night, I feel I have a connection 2 a new outlook on having my diabetes. I'm not going 2 wear my diabetes like my grandmother, mom or sister did. I am going to wear it as fabulous as my new $5.00 bracelet I purchased, as pink as my new 'spot a diva' t-shirt I brought, as shiny as the crown of my new divabetic t-shirt. No one else can understand how Rewarding, informative and warming wednesday night was 4 me. I am proud to tell u it was one of the best nights of my life. Please share my email so all those angels who made the event magical will know. It was nice 2 be reassured that I am doing a good job in managing this time consuming and isolating disease. Thank you."
Love,
Philly Diva
from Philadelphia--
"Thank you so much for inviting me to "bee a Diva".:-) Even though several family members (aside from my husband) are diabetic, I must admit my knowledge of it is lacking.
I appreciate the education that I got last nite and look forward to learning as much as I can so that I may help my husband realize the necessity of him doing what he is supposed to do in order to live a healthy and productive life with diabetes.
Be blessed; and though I will be unable to attend, I will most certainly be with you all in spirit on Thursday evening as you celebrate the life of our beloved Luther. I know he is up in Heaven turning God's choir out!!!!:-)"
See you May 8th.
Beej
from Philadelphia--
"May God continue to richly bless you and your endeavors in stamping out diabetes. I believe the near future holds the day when we will be able to proclaim "I'm a diabetes SURVIVOR!
Thanks for the great information!"
Antoinette:-)
from Philadelphia--
"I just wanted to let you know I had so much fun. It was really nice for me to see my mom, Leslie, talking with other women with diabetes who understand what she is going through. I know it's hard for her to get people to understand sometimes. The environment was so uplifting and really gave me a sense of comfort about my mom's diabetes. For the first time in my life I did not feel defensive about people staring at my mom when she was checking her blood sugar because everyone there understood. I learned so much and I know my mom was really happy with how the night went. We even made an appointment to have her get a make over at the studio for her birthday. Which by the way came out fabulous."
Thanks so much,
Kalia
"I'll have to admit, I really had no idea what to expect of the 'MAKEOVER' event hosted by Divabetic. Knowing Max and his energy and spirit, I knew it would be wonderful. . . but I was blown away. Taking care of Diabetes is a full time job if you're doing it the way your body really needs you to. When your day is full of fingers sticks and insulin shots, medication and counting carbs, styling your hair, pampering your body and dressing to impress can seem like the last thing on your list of priorities. But, it's important to (as Max says) "Remember the power of pretty". Feeling good is not just about being complication free and having blood sugars in the normal range. It's about feeling good about who we are, being confidant in ourselves and our bodies, and feeling empowered. And, it's about gracefully (and sometimes not so gracefully) adjusting to this disease on an daily basis by being educated. As a diabetes educator, I had the privileged of talking with a number of women with diabetes on the day of the event about their care. We discussed ways to avoid overnight lows and morning highs with adjustments in CHO intake and medication. A few woman were interested in learning more about using the insulin pump, excited by the idea of better control and less injections. I was able to encourage and commend an older woman (Malva) with Type 2 DM to continue with her exercise regimen that includes 4-5 days of walking a week, which, she thought, helps to control her blood sugar and gives her more energy. She told me that she always felt so rushed in her doctors office, like he didn't really have time to discuss her concerns. She appreciated the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the event and felt at ease when discussing her concerns with me and the other volunteers at the event. While we enjoyed the make-overs and fashion tips, it really felt like the overall tone of the day was taking care of ourselves, in all aspects of our lives. That message rang loud and clear from all of the wonderful speakers and guests. What an evening!!! What a way to help women get empowered to take control of their Diabetes. Thank Max and the rest of the Divabetic clan for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this amazing day!!!"
Sincerely, Jessica Issler RD, CDE
Maimonides Infants and Children's Hospital of Brooklyn Pediatric Endocrinology, Kids Weight Down
"Divabetic is going places! I'm sure of that. Everyone wants to be with you and help you empower people with diabetes."
Emily
"Just wanted to congratulate you on a GREAT EVENT on Thursday! Every last detail and sentiment was perfect, and, I imagine, just the way you guys envisioned it. Thank you so much, and DEFINITELY keep me posted on upcoming events. You can always count me in for helping out!!!!"
Take care, Diva, New York 2006
"Just being the presence of such wonderful energy brought my spirits way up. Blessings to you and all the D i v a s ....."
ET
"You should be very proud of such a successful event. I hope that Divabetic gets the recognition it so deserves. I was glad that I could be of some help. My history with diabetes is long and so I can truly appreciate all you are doing. By taking such an affirmative focus you are helping many others to understand that this is NOT a curse but rather a fact of life and like so many others and it will not stop people from going forward."
See you soon
Karen
"I first want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the wonderful event yesterday. I have been a type 1 for 20 years and I have never ever been to anything like this. The makeover with Quietfire was just what I needed for a huge pick me up. As it turns out we know each other from way back when lol. The information that was available was amazing. I don't remember her name but it was a young woman that works for Meditronics and she was walking around with a blood sugar meter that was attached to her. I loved it. She did let me know that it is just FDA approved and not quite ready for prime time. This is something that when it is ready I will be getting. Being a diabetic for 20 years I don't feel the lows coming like I use to. I could tell years ago when I was about 70, now I can't tell until I am 60 or under and it has gotten kinda scary at times. So it's good to know something is on the way to help me. I had such a great time last night and so did my daughter Kalia. She has been my rock when it come to my diabetes. It was good for her to be there too, because she won a book called 'Loving Someone With Diabetes '. So she will be able to educate her self some more. It was really a feel good night. My 2 friends, Tina and Que also enjoyed themselves. Please keep me posted on any other event you have. I would also like to volunteer some time helping you in whatever way I can. Max, I really can't thank you enough for what you did for all of us last night. You are an Angel and you have spread your blessings around."
You stay blessed and loved
Leslie
from Philadelphia--
Thanks to Divabetic my thinking about having a chronic disease(s) (my kidneys failed due to diabetes and I had a transplant 10 years ago this April) has changed for the better. I took control of my eating, lost 20 pounds and steadily going down on the scale. Who would of thought all it took was some blue eye shadow and a lime green feather boa!
Cheryl from Philly