I am excited and grateful that World Diabetes Day is coming to Philadelphia this year. They are going to light the city's major landmarks in blue--and Boat House Row! And the Art Museum Fountain! They're giving out free flu shots. They're offering all kinds of health screenings for anyone who comes, and there will be lunch, entertainment and seminars. It sounds like a very productive afternoon, but I am just a little concerned that the major proponent of the festivities is the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. Don't get me wrong--I am pleased that those who frequently care for folks with diabetes complications are promoting awareness and healthy habits, plus, I hear Temple has a terrific program. If I had foot complications, I'd think about going there.
Part of me feels a little irritated that this wasn't a product of our local ADA or JDRF chapter first. I am happy this is happening. I am a little confused and annoyed that the hosting body ultimately makes me think of slightly negative connotations to life with diabetes. The writer in me really wants to go out and cover this event, but I don't think I can get out of work this coming Friday. Grrr.
Tonight, we party! It's Nigel's birthday and a housewarming. I hope people remember to bring their own chairs...furniture is still a bit sparse in our place. It's NaBloPoMo. See you tomorrow.
It looks like I'll be at the WDD Philly event at Temple - I'm hoping in a volunteer capacity, but I'm still trying to get that squared away. Are JDRF or ADA hosting events elsewhere? I'm just thinking they didn't create the occasion so they probably don't feel an obligation to host anything. Plus, since they don't have a gathering place, they'd have to rent space, and then there would either be a fee or there would have to be sponsors who'd want to be represented.... I don't know, I'm glad someone else took some initiative because I already have gripes about them, but that's just me. I do think it's good that it's in North Philly because hopefully it will draw people from those surrounding neighborhoods. Ideally there would be more than just this one event, like one out on the Western Main Line or up in MontCo, and one in South Jersey. The lady at Temple that I've spoken with said that she called some local organization, I don't recall the name of it, The Diabetes Alliance or something like that (maybe you know what I'm talking about?), and they had never heard of WDD! She was shocked, but I think that's a testament to how it's not really well-known. Hopefully that will start to change over the coming years if Philly continues to have events. The fact of the matter though is that people are going to see Boathouse Row and all the buildings lit in blue and not have any clue why. Hopefully the Inquirer and local news stations will cover the Temple event.
ReplyDeleteSorry for th epic-length comment. Maybe it's because I'm still out of it from a low, but I couldn't find a way to email you. I was going to share what I'm hopefully going to be doing as a volunteer. I hope you can get out of work to go.