Laurie Pariseau

My life with diabetes has been one of many diabetes journeys. Some days more challenging than others. Some days now, with the use of modern technology, I rarely think or worry about my diabetes. When diagnosed in 1974, we were told that “a cure was right around the corner,” as we lived in Boston, MA, where there was research actively being done. Diabetes summer camp and the lifelong friends I made there, and becoming a diabetes care and education specialist nurse, kept me informed and up to date at all times. Forever thankful for all this. A cure still hasn’t happened, but I have never given up hope that it will for our future generations. Receiving the CWD Journey Award Award is important to me I believe because it recognizes the hard work that managing diabetes can be, the insulins and management tools that Lilly has developed has helped in so many ways, and honestly, who doesn’t want to be recognized in some way? Diabetes isn’t a disease you can see when you look at a person, but Lilly recognizes that the journey exists, most often quietly with one’s self, and is willing to recognize that!! That says a lot. And I personally appreciate that.