Community Comes Together for Diabetes Fundraising
In a show of unity and determination, people affected by diabetes, or those with a deep concern for loved ones with the condition, gathered at Flandrau State Park to walk for a cause. The mission? To raise funds for the Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation.
Bonnie Schirlinger, who has been living with diabetes for 61 years, articulated the challenges of the condition. She emphasized that even in this age of advanced technology, many continue to grapple with diabetes, facing complications like blindness, heart issues, kidney problems, amputation, and various other ailments. She pointed out that almost everyone knows someone affected by diabetes.
Speaking from her own experience, Schirlinger expressed her passion for raising awareness about diabetes and the pressing need to find a cure. She conveyed her astonishment at the increasing numbers of young children diagnosed with diabetes at incredibly tender ages. Some infants, she noted, even contend with this lifelong condition from their earliest months.
Schirlinger’s advocacy for diabetes research was ignited several years ago at the New Ulm Community Center. She recalled, “I know 14 people in and around New Ulm who died of Type 1 Diabetes at an early age.” She also shared a harrowing personal experience, having survived a diabetic coma.
She recounted, “I was outside under the hot sun, reading a book when I fell asleep and drifted into a coma. My husband Bob came home from work, found me in a coma, called 911, and I was rushed away in an ambulance. My body temperature plummeted to 90 degrees.”
Despite her own diabetes-related health challenges, Schirlinger manages her daily life. She performs household chores, cooks, and does laundry, all while feeling grateful for her life. Yet, her dreams are larger. “I dream of finding a cure. We are so close to finding one,” she stated with conviction.
The statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are sobering: more than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, and shockingly, one in four individuals with diabetes is unaware of their condition.
The funds collected, which include contributions from a GoFundMe campaign, are channeled through the New Ulm Lions Club to support diabetes research at the University of Minnesota. The aim is clear: to uncover a cure for this chronic disease that affects people from all walks of life, irrespective of their age, gender, or socio-economic status.
The most effective defense against diabetes is a combination of insulin therapy management, dietary adjustments, continuous monitoring, and a robust support system. For those at risk of Type 2 diabetes, weight control, reduced sugar intake, regular exercise, and a diet rich in low-fat foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are essential.
Awareness of the warning signs is crucial. For Type 1 Diabetes, watch out for sudden and frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger, unexplained weight loss, irritability, weakness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Type 2 Diabetes presents gradually with these symptoms, and may include recurring or slow-healing skin, gum, or bladder infections, drowsiness, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, and persistent itching.
The road to hope for diabetes cure begins with the dedication of individuals like Bonnie Schirlinger and community efforts. For those seeking more information or wishing to contribute, visit this GoFundMe link and the official Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation website.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.