Winners of Inspired By Diabetes Contest

Filed in archive Fun , Inspiration , News on June 24, 2008

Daniel DeMoss has sent me the following list - the winners of the Inspired by Diabetes (Creative Expression Competition for Diabetics).

The U.S. Grand Prize winners of the Inspired by Diabetes Creative Expression Competition represent four categories: Adult with Diabetes, Child with Diabetes, Family Member or Friend of someone with Diabetes and Health Care Professional.

Adult with Diabetes - Betsy Ray, Colorado

After managing diabetes for 43 years, Ray is working on a master's degree in psychology to serve as a resource to newly-diagnosed children with diabetes. Her motivation was born out of her desire to help others see diabetes in a new light, beyond the often negative constructs of the disease. Ray entered an essay called "The Journey."

"As I reflect upon challenges I have faced as a result of diabetes...I must also acknowledge the rewards," she wrote. "Diabetes has grown my spirit in a way that no normal life ever could...It is so far beyond what I was told my life would be that I can only respond to the people I meet by telling them 'Anything is possible. You are on a journey. How you define it is up to you.'"

Child with Diabetes - Erin Tetreault, Idaho

Tetreault, 17, was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9. Inspired by her experiences at diabetes summer camp - where she first learned about the Inspired by Diabetes campaign - Tetreault hopes that more young people with diabetes can benefit from the emotional and educational support that these specialty camps provide. Her painting, "Self-Acceptance," depicts a young woman wearing an insulin pump.

"Four years ago I would have been too self-conscious to paint my bare stomach with my pump proudly displayed," she wrote in her accompanying narrative. But because of diabetes camp, "I've learned to be myself and not worry if I'm different or not accepted."

Family Member or Friend - Teresa Ollila, Colorado

Ollila is a mother of two and an avid photographer. Inspired by her son's diabetes diagnosis at age 3, she took an interest in capturing the complexity of living with diabetes by photographing others with the condition in her community. Ollila's collection of photographs, titled "Living with Diabetes," reveals the emotional impact of diabetes on people's lives.
"I'm photographing how diabetes affects relationships and the feelings it provokes to care for others," Ollila wrote in her narrative.

Health Care Professional - Theresa Garnero, California

Despite not having diabetes herself, Garnero is no stranger to this condition. Garnero draws diabetes-focused cartoons for various medical publications and also serves as a clinical nurse manager at a major medical center in California. She believes humor is a necessary component when talking about diabetes, saying, "If you laugh, you learn." In addition, Garnero will publish a book in 2008 in conjunction with the ADA that portrays the daily challenges and achievements possible following a diagnosis.

The above work has been displayed at the recent American Diabetes Association's 68th Annual Scientific Sessions in San Francisco.

Visit Inspired by Diabetes for more information.