April 9, 2002
Community Resources
Question from New Orleans, Louisiana, USA:
I am 25 years old, have a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and public relations, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes about two years ago, and my life has changed completely since that frightening day. I currently work in a parochial school doing development/fundraising, but I’ve come to realize that diabetes is my life, and I think there is a reason that I have it — to help others! I’ve been contemplating the idea of going back to school, working on a nursing degree and eventually becoming a diabetes educator or CDE. Are there any grants or scholarships? I’ve tried the ADA and JDF as well as other diabetes related companies and can’t seem to get any answers. Do you know of anyone in my situation who has done the same thing? Do you know of any resources I could tap into with my plea?
Answer:
I commend you on your goals! I had a pump patient who turned her situation into an opportunity by hiring herself out to educate the diabetes supply companies about exactly who they were serving. She put a real face on “patients with diabetes” and created her own career. As far as nursing goes, you may simply have to go the route of nursing scholarships in general rather than one focusing on diabetes in particular.
CMB
Additional comments from David Mendosa, A Writer on the Web:
Please see the section “Financial Aid Including Health Insurance and Scholarships” at the end of Part 2: General Web Sites on my website.
DM
[Editor’s comment: Also see Scholarships on this site.
SS]
