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| Letter From The Editor
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A Portland, Oregon mom, Brynna Hurwitz, created the Children's Diabetes Semnars and Support Network after her son, Benton, was diagnosed in 1999. For two years now, CDS&SN has given inspiration and guidance to parents to the Portland area.
CureNow: Where did you get the idea to start the support group?
Brynna Hurwitz: Actually the support group/seminars idea originally came out of necessity. My son, Benton, was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes in March of 1999 in the 1st grade and I was a nervous wreck. I'd grown up with my Dad having diabetes ever since I can remember but it was very different when it was my child and someone I was responsible for. So, I felt pretty isolated and yearned for other people to talk to and to learn from.
There was nothing in the Portland area at all and when we traveled to Tulsa, OK in the summer of 1999 I saw in the paper there that they had a bi-monthly support group so I called them up and asked for details.
I stole the idea but made it my own by stressing education for parents and asking experts from all the area hospitals to participate. The health community here has been terrific. Dr.s, CDEs, Dietitians, Psychologists have all donated their time to speak at our seminars. This is pretty amazing considering that some of those people get paid \$2500. or so to speak! But they see the need and want to be a part of helping families so they have been are eager to jump on board.
The other way I made The Children's Diabetes Seminars and Support Group (CDS&SN) unique was by paying teenagers with diabetes to babysit. It is SO important for littler kids to know that hip teens who are very cool have diabetes.
How has it helped your family?
CDS&SN has helped our family by offering us a place to see other faces that are anxious, relaxed, wondering, etc. all because of parenting children with diabetes. It's been nice for Benton who always has a great time playing with other kids there.
I am an organizer and running this has made me feel that I am doing something about diabetes. I can't cure it or take it away or change the fact that my child and so many others have it, but I can organize the seminars, plan them, and be busy with this. I love pulling things together and used to have a dance company here and in Seattle. I also ran a large and successful Portland summer event for several years so I am happy doing this!
What kind of a reaction has the group received from participants?
It is so wonderful to meet all the families who come! I remember one Saturday a Mom dragged her newly diagnosed 10 year old boy, Tom, to the seminar. It was his birthday and he didn't look too happy, but by the end when all the kids and teens sang him Happy Birthday he was beaming. I could see that he felt he was not alone.
There have been a lot of parents of 2-4 year olds recently and seeing them talk together and share stories is great...they are the best ones to offer each other support and good, practical ideas about the care of a toddler with diabetes.
During the first year we had about 25 people coming. In Dec. we had over 70 and I expect to have 100 or so people on Feb. 2. The Children's Diabetes Seminars and Support Network seems to fill a need.
What would you like to see happen in the future with your group?
Goals! Goals are the fun stuff I think. Well, we are having our first ever Creekside Seminar at Gales Creek Camp this April 6th!! All the families will spend the night in the new dorms and the great GCC counselors will be there too. So, plan to come!
I'd like to take a couple of seminars a year on the road to out-of-the-way places where there isn't readily available education or care. It'd be nice to travel around Oregon and to offer the same things we offer here to families all over the state. I believe that kids and families are happier when they see other people with diabetes and understand that it is not the end of the world but only the beginning.
Do you have any tips for parents or families who are thinking of starting their own group?
I am more than happy to talk to anyone who is interested in learning more about The Children's Diabetes Seminars and Support Network or who would like us to bring a Pediatric Endocrinologist, School Expert or Dietitian their way.
Who is your inspiration?
This is tough. I really admire people who speak their minds. People who are not afraid to take a stand for what is right; young people who pursue causes even if they're the underdogs. And....
I admire my mother who never, ever let her physical disability get in her way. She walked all over Korea and did everything she wanted to even though doctors told her she'd never walk. She's still the most positive person I know. Although she has to be in constant pain it doesn't stop her from living life fully and bubbling with energy.