Diabetes has taken my health, my sight, my independence... We must stop this terrible disease before it takes our future generations. Mary Seymour, diabetes survivor Mary today, age 62
A lifetime of diabetes Like most people who develop type 1 diabetes, Mary was only a child when she was diagnosed. At 14, she had no idea of the devastating complications she faced as a result of this terrible disease. I started off thinking injecting myself everyday was a big deal, but looking back that was the least of my worries Mary age 15 Diabetes began to affect Mary s eyesight when she was just 28 I woke up one morning and all I could see was splodges of blood in my eyes I was so shocked, I didn t know what was happening. Following years of difficult dialysis, Mary underwent a lifesaving pancreas and kidney transplant in 1988 I thought bingo! That s my diabetes cured. But the complications had been set in motion and more problems would soon follow.
Nothing could be done to save Mary s vision and tragically she was declared legally blind in 1992, at age 41. Of all the things I ve lost, I miss my eyesight most of all. I can t read anymore; I d give anything just to be able to see a bit better. Mary with her husband Lindsay. March 1996 Sadly diabetes continued to affect Mary s health and in 2003, she was forced to have her right leg amputated. Mary age 40. The flow of blood to my leg was just 10% it wasn t enough. As a diabetic, all the years my blood sugars have been above normal, my misfortunes were being sown.
When Mary s kidney failed for a second time, her sister Kerrin came to her rescue. The moment Kerrin heard my kidneys were failing she went to see my specialist, she wanted to hand her kidney over there and then! Luckily she was a match and 8 months later we went ahead with the operation. If it wasn t for my dear sister, I wouldn t be here today. Diabetes continued to take its toll and Mary suffered a sudden heart attack at 58. Her only hope was a quadruple heart bypass; After everything I d been through, I wondered if I d pull through this time. If I hadn t had my sister s kidney, it would have been the end for me From such a young age, my health and my future have been determined by diabetes. Insulin has kept me alive but it s not a cure I can only hope we find a cure for the next generation and save our children and our grandchildren from the same devastating effects of this disease. Mary today, age 62
Diabetes: the facts Diabetes doesn t just mean daily insulin injections. Over time, this disease causes devastating damage, leaving sufferers at risk of many disabling and fatal complications. Every day 8 people lose their sight as a result of diabetes 80% of people with diabetes, will die from heart disease People with diabetes are 4 times more likely to have a stroke 50% of all amputations occur in people with diabetes People with diabetes are 3 times more likely to develop kidney damage and need dialysis Alarmingly, unless we find a way to halt this rising epidemic 3 million Australians over 25 will have diabetes by 2025
Research saves lives. Help stop this cruel and deadly disease before it steals the lives and health of tomorrow s generation. With your support, researchers at Baker IDI can continue fighting to uncover the cures and treatments we desperately need to protect our children from the suffering and pain caused by diabetes. How you can help Complete the enclosed form and return it to us in the stamped addressed envelope, together with your donation Call our friendly team on 1800 827 040 to make a donation over the phone Visit www.bakeridi.edu.au/donate_now to make a secure online donation