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May 2002/Iyar 5762- A beautiful Shabbos gathering took place in Monsey for the teenaged boys of our group. A highlight of the Shabbos was the powerful speech delivered by Rabbi Weismandl, in which he stated clearly that diabetes is nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to hide. He pointed out that secrecy, which can ch"v lead to neglect in diabetes control, is actually the only thing a person need be embarrassed of. Diabetes is not a disease; secrecy is! The Rabbi also praised all those in attendance who had chosen not to be ashamed of diabetes, but rather to come join this inspirational gathering which would have a positive influence on the rest of their lives.
April 2002/Iyar 5762- A successful local support group for parents of young, newly diagnosed children was held by Friends With Diabetes. A most inspiring and encouraging speech was delivered by Avi Shulman, a renowned speaker/writer. He pointed out that teaching a child to cope and overcome a challenge, gives him/her the courage to overcome not only this challenge, but also any challenge in life that might come up. In this perspective, we can view diabetes as a gift from Hashem that can strengthen us, teach us, and make us into better people.
The parents left with pages full of notes to help them remember the useful advice they had learned on dealing with extra activity during summer, storing insulin in the heat, and so much more. Perhaps most important of all, they left with the wonderful feeling that they have supportive Friends With Diabetes.
February 2002/Adar 5762- Rabbi Meisels hosted a phenomenal pre-Yom Tov meeting for young teenaged boys with diabetes. The discussion was exciting and fast paced as participants shared their past Purim and Pesach experiences. The event leaves many new ideas and warm memories in its wake.
January 2002/Teves 5762- A Melava Malka was held on Motzei Shabbos for the boys (bachurim) and young men of our group. Rabbi B. Katz shared inspiring and warm thoughts, stressing that the mitzvah of watching our health is even holier than the rest of the 613 mitzvohs. As diabetics, we have the opportunity to perform this dynamite mitzvah several times a day. The speaker expressed his amazement at FWD's success (with a lot of siyatah dishmayah) in transmitting this important attitude to its members.
The evening also featured a hands-on demonstration on dealing with Tu B'Shevat fruits. Our beautiful Shevat newsletters were handed out, along with a useful chart listing carb factors of various fruits.
While eating the seudah of Melava Malka, the participants had a chance to converse with each other, to share experiences and make new "Friends With Diabetes". The event was both enjoyable and incredibly informative!
January 2002/ Shevat 5762 brought more good news for adolescent girls with diabetes. FWD held a mini-shabbaton, also in Monsey, which was unequalled in success. Rabbi N. Bron of Monsey delivered a fascinating overview of the low carb diet, which led to much discussion and debate. Rabbi Meisels elaborated on the glycemic index, carb counting and carb factors, especially in relation to Tu B'Shevat. The educational gains of the Shabbos were rivaled only by the phenomenal amount of chizuk and encouragement it generated. Rabbi Meisels provided beautiful insights, stories and outlooks. Rabbi P. Yung and Rabbi E. Tauber, renowned Monsey guest speakers, also shared powerful and practical ideas that will surely make the shabbos unforgettable.
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