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Home » Articles » Cool Tools
LadyBlogger #3: DiabetesTeenTalk.com
Here's the third edition of LadyBloggers, where we profile a ChronicBabe who's doing superior writing. There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! LadyBloggers is a way to connect you with some of our favorite resources, and offer a peek at why and how these women are sharing their voice in the community. And maybe we'll spark some creativity in you, too! If you want us to profile your web site, let us know and we'll consider your project.
And now, without futher ado, we bring you:
DiabetesTeenTalk and Lemonade Life, created by Allison Blass
What's your chronic?
I have Type 1 (a.k.a. juvenile) diabetes. It’s not called juvenile diabetes anymore, but it was when I was diagnosed. And some people, unfortunately, still call it that.
How old were you when you were diagnosed? How old are you now?
I was diagnosed at age 8. I am 20 years old.
What's your everyday life like?
Right now, my everyday life consists of four things: sleeping, eating, school, and diabetes. I just rotate between the four. I’m currently a junior at the University of Oregon, where I’m majoring in journalism, and minoring in non-profit administration and religious studies. (Religious studies is just for kicks.) When I’m not in class or in the library doing homework, I’m most likely on the computer “working,” work being diabetes advocacy. I spend copious amounts of time doing counseling and education, and working on my web site. I also do a bit of freelance writing for diabetes.
I’m a Christian, so I attend a weekly bible study and youth group, which are very fun! I love God. I love my friends. I love to read. Not as much as I would like, but I’m an obsessive-compulsive book-buyer. Can’t go in a bookstore without buying something. I also really like coffee, and I spend way too much time sitting on the back porch of Espresso Roma, a coffee shop near school. I may have to start paying rent there.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing young women with your chronic?
Self-acceptance. I think a lot of teen girls and young women have enough problems accepting themselves due to the pressures of the media and society to look and act a certain way. Adding diabetes into the mix can make looking into the mirror unbearable.
How about the biggest issue facing ChronicBabes in general?
Well, as I’m discovering for myself, insurance and health coverage. I have one more year before the insurance carpet is pulled out from under me, and I’m not looking forward to it!
What inspired you to start a blog/web site? When did you start it?
Diabetes Teen Talk emerged out of Teen Talk, which was a part of the late Diabetes Portal collective of web sites. When I was 16, I had another web site, CureNow, and I started visiting the Portal’s chatroom. I met a lot of great people but I noticed they had no programming for teens. I offered to start one up and they let me! I hosted Teen Talk for almost three years, and I also managed the associated Teen Talk web site. I had visitors from all over the world and I had a chance to interview some really great people, like fellow ChronicBabe Nicole Johnson! When DP closed in September 2005, I decided to re-open independently because I felt that having a teen-focused diabetes web site was very valuable and necessary. I hated the thought of all these teens going unsupported.
Lemonade Life is my blog/official web site that I started last summer. I had a diary on the original Teen Talk website, but it was hard to update because there was a time lapse between when I would send it to be published and when it would actually go up. So I started my own! Lemonade Life comes from my motto: “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!”
What is your main goal with the blog? Have you achieved it, or are you close to achieving it?
With Diabetes Teen Talk, the goal is to help foster friendship between teens while providing education and inspiration. There is always room for improvement. I will continue to add features, articles and interviews to the site as it grows, and I really depend on the feedback and participation I receive from teens.
Lemonade Life is a bit different. It’s my outlet to talk about my diabetes and what I think about it. Lemonade Life is more personal. The blog has allowed me to rant and rave about all the intricacies of living with diabetes as a college student and how it has affected me as a person--both the positive and the negative. I also get wonderful feedback and support from my fellow bloggers. I suppose in that way, it has been successful, seeing as people haven’t booed me off the stage yet!
Who are some of your favorite health bloggers and why do you like them?
Is it bad that I only read diabetes blogs? I know, I should expand my network. That said, here are the blogs that I never fail to check up on Six Until Me, A Shot in the Dark, Noncompliant, and Herman’s Head.
Six Until Me and Noncompliant are both older women who have Type 1 diabetes. They inspire me and encourage me that my life will only continue to get better and more exciting, and that there’s nothing stopping me from having all the good stuff life has to offer! A Shot in the Dark and Herman’s Head are both parents, and they remind me that my advocacy is not just for the people with diabetes, but for all the people who are affected by this chronic disease.
How does the blog/web site impact your health? i.e. - Do you feel a connection with others, or do you learn new things? Does it energize you?
The diabetes advocacy and education work that I do has helped me understand my own health better. It has introduced me to different problems and concerns that I may otherwise not have addressed. I feel that the blog and web site have helped educate me not only to take care of my physical health better, but it has also helped with my emotional health. The times when my whole being is the healthiest are when I’m connected with others.
What are your future plans for your blog/web site--expansion, partnerships, merchandise, anything at all.
Lemonade Life, as far as I know, is going to be staying as is. I’m not really looking to expand that in anyway, other than simply having it trail my life and growing as I grow! Expanding Diabetes Teen Talk is always an option, but there is nothing definite yet. I’m very excited to see more teens coming to the website. I will be attending the CWD conference in Orlando this summer, and I hope that I will make new contacts that will help expand the services that Diabetes Teen Talk provides.
Do you accept submissions, or do you partner with blogs and web sites to enhance your content?
Lemonade Life is my own writing and work, though I absolutely love hearing from people!
Diabetes Teen Talk is always open to feedback and submissions. We have a submission form that teens can use to write in and let us know what they would like to see, or if they themselves have anything they would like to provide. I’m also interested in talking with adults with diabetes to provide inspiration to these teens who might otherwise feel very alone and very frustrated with the idea of having to live with a chronic illness for such a long time. Assistance is always welcome!
P.S. We are the sister site to Diabetes Talkfest, which provides similar services to adults with diabetes.
Posted: 1/30/2006 in Cool Tools | Also posted in: Inspiration
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