Living with diabetes: Family of four, all afflicted, bound for Washington

PEABODY – A family of four from Peabody will head down to Washington, D.C. next week in support of a national epidemic that hits a little too close to home.Kimberly and Mark Foisy and their two young children, Megan, 9, and Mark, 5, are all living with the disease that effects nearly 21 million Americans: diabetes. They will attend the American Diabetes Association?s “Call to Congress” from April 30-May 2 as advocates for this all too personal cause.Not everyone was selected to participate as advocates and speak with their Congressman, but after submitting her personal story last fall, the Foisys of Peabody were chosen.For Kimberly, diabetes has always been a part of her life, although not until recently has it affected her own body.?I grew up with diabetics,” she said, adding that her mother, brothers, sisters all have the insulin related illness. “My mother said to me recently that ?when my children were diagnosed 30 years ago, I was guaranteed there would be a cure by the time they reached 30.? And I am now living the same life of my mother.”Now with two children of her own diagnosed, Kimberly, too, was told by several doctors that there would be a cure before they turn 30-years old. But, she isn?t about to wait around for that to happen.?I feel that I have to advocate for my children so there will be a cure,” she said. Kimberly joined the American Diabetes Association four years ago after her daughter was diagnosed. She?s been an advocate for the past year.According to the ADA?s website, 14.6 million Americans have been diagnosed, whereas an outstanding 6 million remain completely unaware that they have the costly disease. And by costly, the ADA means both monetarily and personally.In 2007, the total annual economic cost of diabetes was $170 million. The per capita annual cost of health care for people with the disease was $11,744, of which $6,649 was attributed directly to diabetes.Those living with diabetes also suffer from pain, discrimination, embarrassment, and stress.While in the nation?s capital, Kimberly and her family hope to focus on three major issues: increasing diabetes funding, passing the ADA Restoration Act to eliminate a legal Catch-22 that allows employment discrimination against people with the disease, and continuing the Special Diabetes Program, which make up about 20 percent of the federal government?s investment in diabetes. She would also like to increase awareness in schools, and more specifically, the need for better dietary offerings.?My hope and goal is to make children aware that they don?t have to hide from this,” she said. “My daughter is reaching a point in her life where being different means something. We want to be positive role models and tell her its ok and you can make people accept this and accept you for who you are.”All members of the Foisy family will get an opportunity to speak with congressman, and Kimberly said her children couldn?t be more excited to advocate for themselves.?I?m sure my daughter will think of something to say, but my son will probably tell them that ?I just don?t want diabetes anymore,?” she quipped.In addition to next week?s event, Kimberly is working with the Brown School, where both of her children attend, to organize a School Walk for diabetes in accordance with the ADA. The event would ask students to collect flat donations or pledges for each completed lap around the school gymnasium. A portion of the money would go to the ADA, and the remainder would go toward physical education equipment for the school. Kimberly anticipates the walk to take place this October.As for battling with disease four-fold, well, Kimberly said she can?t say anything negative because “at this point, we just don?t know any better.”?This is our life, and this is the way we live,” she said. “Yes, it was a struggle in the beginning, but we?ve made it.”For more information on diabetes and ways to become an advocate, log on to www.diabetes.org.**There should be photos of the family**