So today is November 1, 2011. It is a day of many special things. There are some birthday’s to be celebrated today, that is taking up some of my time in reading blogs and writing posts, today is the beginning of Diabetes Awareness month, and it is also the first Type 1 Day (T1D).
I received an e-mail from JDRF a few weeks ago talking about T1D, but I still was not exactly sure what it was going to be all about and what the campaign was going to be to help spread awareness. All I knew is that it was a day to spread the differences between Type 1 and Type 2. I think that it is great to have specific days dedicated to individual diabetes related “things” throughout the entire month. I like little themes to make up a larger one.
I received a little foam finger in the mail the other day from JDRF that explained it was to be used to “give diabetes the finger.” Genius, I love it. I love giving diabetes the finger. You can take that for whatever meaning you want, but they encouraged us to take pictures with the foam finger. So you will be seeing one photo a day either on the blog or on Twitter with the foam finger. It is almost like the concept of Flat Stanley where kids are to take pictures with him in different regions of the world and report on where he was and what he did there.
This T1D campaign may not be the best idea this year, but with it in it’s first year, I think there are always ways to improve going forward. I think the concept and idea is great. JDRF has been hearing from adult type 1’s for a long time that we are left out, they don’t do anything for us, etc. Well here is a perfect campaign and example on how they are gearing something towards adults. I love the fact that national is being receptive to our voices, even if it took a long time. If they could only get my local chapter to be more receptive.
They created a video to promote T1D, by introducing you to a girl named Meg. I think that the video uses an older, World War 2 style type of campaign. I like retro. Here is the video below:
To wrap up today’s post of many to come this month, I just want to say that I am honored to share my birthday with a new Type 1 day. I see big things for this day in the future.
Happy birthday, Chris! Hope it’s been a great shared-T1Day! I agree with you, that it’s great to see the JDRF embracing the adult community more. Hope that national emphasis does trickle down to all the places it’s needed at the local chapter levels.
I’m 63 and have had T1D for over 50 years this day is long over due. T1D effects everything and my hope lies with the future!