My name is Andrea and I created this campaign because of my family and I history with diabetes. On May 1, 1996 my mom and I sat in a doctor's office waiting to be told I could go home. The doctors thought I suffered from bulemia or anorexia because of the sudden weight loss. Like so many other cases they were wrong on both of those diagnoses. The real diagnoses was juvenile diabetes.
After seeing two family members pass away from complications of diabetes, spotting the warning signs of adult onset diabetes (and juvenile diabetes) in my family, and watching my brother struggle with the diagnoses of juvenile diabets I felt like I needed to do something more.
I wondered how many people have diabetes and don't know it? I wondered how many know it but don't do anything about it?
From this thought grew the idea to have the diabetes awareness ribbon campaign.
I hope to decrease the shame, fear and lack of knowledge of having diabetes. I hope to increase awareness of diabetes. I hope the real story, the good news, the facts of how you can live with diabetes will spread faster than wildfire. The more you know the better chance of not suffering from diabetes related complications. This is my hope, this is my mission, this is why the diabetes awarness campaign exists. Please support it by wearing a diabetes awareness ribbon.
Information on ordering a diabetes awareness ribbon:
1) Send an email to ribbons@stickysweetdiabetics.org and include your name, the address you want the ribbons delivered to, the number of ribbons you are requesting and the date you need them by (Your information will not be shared with anyone)
or
Make your own
Supplies:
-Spool of ribbon (I use white 5/8 usually but have done grey-wedding favors when a donation is made to a diabetes research initiative in honor of a loved one and orange-for Diabetes Sisters Orange Will women with diabetes campaign)
-Silver or Gold Jewelry pin back (1 inch)
-Red Jewelry Beads (flat on one side and the size will depend on the size of ribbon that you use)
-Scissors
-Glue gun or Clear non staining fabric glue
*The amount of ribbon, pin backs and beads will vary depending on how many ribbons you want to make.
Directions:
1) Cut the ribbon into the desired length (I cut them in 6 inch pieces)
2) Fold the ribbon in half to create a bow
3) Glue together using a glue gun or clear non staining fabric glue
4) Let dry
5) Attach the red bead to the front of the ribbon using a glue gun or clear non staining fabric glue.
7) Let dry
8) Attach the pin back to the back of the ribbon using a glue gun or clear non staining fabric glue
9) Let dry completely before wearing
Donations
The ribbons are FREE but I graciously accept monetary donations. Click below to donate: