Our assignment for day one of the fifth annual (!!) #DBlogWeek is to talk about diabetes causes and issues that get us really fired up.
I’m not a fired up kind of guy.
The slow and steady march of making connections, introducing people who need to know each other, and shining a light on people and stories that resonate with me, that’s more my style.
Sometimes those little connections make all the difference in the world.
Uganda
In 2011 I received a message from Masereka Robert in Uganda. He was 26 years old at the time and lives with type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed at 5 years old. He volunteers his time to start a diabetes association to help educate people with diabetes in a remote area near the slopes of Mount Rwenzori in the Kasese district of Uganda.
He explained that he started the association to help people who can’t afford to buy insulin or provide transport to the nearest hospitals. He found my blog and wanted to reach out to make a connection.
He and I stayed in touch via email, sending a message every few weeks or so. He told me about how he reaches out to many people asking for help, spends time educating the parents of these children, and generally doing everything he can to help.
DSMA Live
March of 2013, DSMA Live hosted Dr. Jason Baker and Sandy Narayanan of Marjorie’s Fund, a non-profit organization devoted to empowering people with diabetes in resource poor locations.
During the show Dr. Baker mentioned Uganda, and a connection happened in my head. Not long after the show, I sent Dr. Baker a message about Masereka Robert, explaining his work in the area and our email conversations.
I think we will be able to help him…
Thanks for the Connection, Scott
Kabugho Jovia, Kabugho Peace, Muhindo Innocent, Muhindo Dan, Kimbesa Simon
Sometimes it takes my breath away what these little connections can mean for people.
This would not be possible without incredible groups like Insulin for Life and Marjories Fund. Thank you, both, for the amazing work you do.
If you would like to help, please consider contacting both organizations above to find out what is needed. Masereka Robert is also in need of a laptop to use for continued outreach. I don’t know what is involved in sending a laptop to Uganda, but if you would like to connect with him, please let me know.
What an incredible story, Scott. Thank you for all you do, and thank you for being the inspiration to others that I know you are. I say that with confidence, because you have inspired me again and again.
Hi… just got to this today. I noticed your name is the biggest one on that sign:)
This ranks very high on the “Greatest things I’ve seen in 2014” list. Thank you for making this connection, Mr. Advocate.
This is incredible Scott!
This is what it is all about. It is a blessing to be a blessing. So awesome!
Scott – you… wow. And, um. Wow. It’s no surprise that you are incredible and make a difference in everything you do. But seeing this, and having those pictures there, yes. Dude, if I was there right now I’d give you a big huge hug no matter what the looks around might look like. You make this world a better place, and I hope you never ever doubt that. Thank you for this, for the way your mind worked to make that little connection, and just… everything. OK, I’m rambling now. This is awesome, and I’m so privileged to know you.
This is the first post to put a lump in my throat this week. Great story Scott.
This is amazing.
These photos – this whole post – took my breath away.
Wow. Wow! And all on this one tiny planet. This is a great story.
This is so quintessentially you and the power your quiet, steady, loving way holds.
I love this. Thank you for sharing!
Astounding! This is so beautiful.
Wonderful; just wonderful! Please keep going in your ‘slow and steady march of making connections’. You are doing such fabulous stuff and I am so lucky I get to say I know you!
Scott, if you ever wonder why you do what you do and whether what you do has value, just look at those photos. What a difference you have made!!!