Most of us in the D world know that November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Many companies, advocates, websites, blogs and organizations in the diabetes community have done a tremendous job of getting the word out. But is the general population aware of this campaign? Certainly not to the extent it was about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which I understand, if just by the comparative figures of those affected. Yet, it's clear: awareness of type 1 diabetes (with which I'll associate NDAM for this blog) and its issues isn't embedded into the consciousness of our society as other diseases are. Why? Is it because the lethality of other diseases is more threatening, more likely? Or does type 1 get glazed over with the abstractions of its type 2 cousin, the misunderstood, mislabeled "lifestyle" diabetes of irresponsible eaters and couch potatoes? Perhaps attention is more casual and the rally cries for a cure less convincing because, well, our kids look so good and seem so healthy? Could it be that we parents are just too darn tired to do more than one event a year because the 24/7 fight for our kids lives leaves little energy left for anything, save brushing our teeth and setting the alarm clock?

We can do more. We must. Our children need greater community awareness, less ignorance and fear, and more understanding. "Why?", Mr. Unknowing might ask. Assuming it's a question asked of genuine interest and not the "Hmph" kind better answered with a corkscrew punch to the chops, the answer is simple. "Well, Mr. Unknowing," I might begin, "Our kids need you to understand a few basics about their disease as much as they need your money for a cure. You see, by knowing these basics about type 1 diabetes, you can make a big difference in the quality of their lives, how they feel about themselves and possibly keep them alive in a diabetes-related emergency. They'd be healthier and safer because you took a little time to learn." 

Some in the fundraising world might get all out-of-sorts when they read my statement about our kids needing Mr. Unknowing's understanding more than his cash. However, most recognize that awareness begets funding, not vice versa. It sows understanding, compassion and outreach. Fears subside, action supplants inaction and resources multiply.

If through our collective efforts we could increase community awareness  ten-fold in five years (as measured say by the number of newly-educated people per year), imagine the possibilities: the research community could be rolling out one breakthrough after another, camps for kids could increase in number, size, funding and access, the incidence and severity of complications could lessen and the quality of our children's lives could be better, even easier.

How? I don't know...I'm just posting the issue. Sorry, it's late and I'm on fumes, although I guess in a way I'm not sure. Perhaps starting with activities such as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, sports teams, school functions and plays, church events, and so on. The opportunities seem endless, the return scintillating. I've convinced myself. So, in the words of General George S. Patton: "Let's Roll!" (maybe it was John Belushi in Animal House). Anyway, our family will commit to developing a strategy for a local awareness campaign for 2010. We'll draft it and share it with you here at PDK, by December 15th. Nothing big, just a start. In the meantime, I encourage you to work on a campaign for your family and let's get to it. Imagine: grass roots family campaigns in every city throughout the country.

Or imagine this: "Oh my, certainly I'll sponsor your walk. Here's five dollars. You poor dear...now don't despair, when they find a cure, you can have all the cake and ice cream your little heart desires."