80 Years Kellion Diabetes Victory Medal
Each year Diabetes Australia presents the Kellion Victory Medal to those who have lived with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for 50 years or more. It recognises the achievement of living a fulfilling life with diabetes. This year, one of Ryde’s longtime patients, Ralph Chick, was the receipient of the 80-year Type 1 diabetes victory medal. Ryde celebrated this amazing achievment with Ralph and his family and some of the clinicians who have cared for him for many years, including Jen Kinsella. Ralph was 15 years old when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Learning to cope with this diagnosis was a huge learning curve for his whole family. Changing his diet, eating regularly, checking his blood sugar levels and injecting himself with insulin a few times a day were just part of the enormous upheaval to his life. Having diabetes did not stop him doing anything he didn't want to do. Over the years, he has had a variety of jobs (he's a great handyman too), he married and has 2 daughters, he played tennis and swam, enjoyed many holidays (especially cruises) and loves seeing his 5 grandchildren. Ralph has looked after himself very well by seeing his GP and specialist regularly and being careful in what food he eats. Ralph is amazed at how the treatment for diabetes has changed over the years. Ralph is a testament to the advances in healthcare but more importantly great self-care.
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