Opening digital doors
St. Joseph’s annual Diabetes Half Century Awards highlight patients like Kristin Busche, whose diabetes journey has led to a life of online advocacy. November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
London Ontario – Discovering a virtual tapestry of support and connection among the dynamic online diabetes community changed Kristin Busche’s life. Today, she finds powerful purpose in a community she could never have imagined existing when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 50 years ago.
“I'll help somebody 24/7. If it means staying up until 4 am with a parent, I'll do it, no problem. Or for somebody older who just doesn't understand tech? No problem,” says the 57-year-old who has lived through decades of changes in diabetes treatment and technology since being diagnosed as a seven year-old.
After starting on a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), Busche turned to the Internet and discovered “a whole new world” through the diabetes online community (DOC). Found on forums and across social media platforms, the DOC includes people living with diabetes, their loved ones and anyone interested in learning more.
A Facebook group of more than 5,500 Canadian users of her particular CGM was one place Busche found not only answers but also community. Now, as the moderator of that Facebook group and an active member of several other groups, Busche currently provides the support she once sought herself.
“Being able to help others now, it almost feels like my calling,” Busche says.
Busche is among 10 recipients of this year’s Diabetes Half Century Awards presented annually by St. Joseph’s Health Care London and Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. to patients with insulin-dependent diabetes who reach 50 or more years since their diagnosis. Recipients are nominated by their endocrinologist and honoured for their personal commitment and diligence in looking after their health - and for being role models to all those living with the condition. Read Kristin’s full story on St. Joseph’s website.
On Nov. 15, media are invited to attend this heart-warming celebration of personal perseverance, which is held every year during Diabetes Awareness Month. Alternatively, interviews can be arranged in time for World Diabetes Day, which is Nov. 14.
What: Diabetes Half Century Awards
When: Nov. 15 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: St. Joseph’s Hospital, 268 Grosvenor St., London, Zone E, Level 1, Room E1-126
To confirm attendance or arrange interviews, please contact:
Izzy Siebert, Communication and Public Affairs Assistant
St. Joseph’s Health Care London
519 646-6100 ext. 47155, Cell: 226 688-8155
@email
About St. Joseph’s Health Care London
Renowned for compassionate care, St. Joseph’s Health Care London is a leading academic health care centre in Canada dedicated to helping people live to their fullest by minimizing the effects of injury, disease and disability through excellence in care, teaching and research. Through partnership with Lawson Research Institute and our collaborative engagement with other health care and academic partners, St. Joseph’s has become an international leader in the areas of: chronic disease management; medical imaging; specialized mental health care; rehabilitation and specialized geriatrics; and surgery. St. Joseph’s operates through a wide range of hospital, clinic and long-term and community-based settings, including: St. Joseph’s Hospital; Parkwood Institute; Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care; and the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care. For more information, visit www.sjhc.london.on.ca.