2009 North American Conference - Boston
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Boston Dispatch, June 2009
Judith Jones Ambrosini
DYNAMIC
EDUCATIONAL
STRENGTHENING
ACTIVE
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| Boston 2009 |
An air of anticipation pervaded as the type 1's, type 2's and type 3's approached the hallowed ground of Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston to pick up their registration packets for the 2009 DESA North American Conference. They came from California, Minnesota, North Carolina, Texas, New Jersey, Connecticut, Kansas, Oregon, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Canada, Kentucky, New York, West Virginia and Tennessee and, of course, from hometown New England. Some arrived with memories of Joslin from childhood days of being brought here by their parents as newly diagnosed patients or to attend camp. Others came for the first time, regarding Joslin as the longtime, highly respected and historic pulse beat of diabetes care.
"Being surrounded by a like-minded, active, healthy, knowledgeable, friendly, outgoing, inspiring group of people is such an incredible feeling. I learned so much from the speakers, breakout sessions and activity options, but even more importantly, I made new friends and new connections. I will return home refreshed, educated and updated, excited, inspired and motivated to continue to manage my diabetes to the best of my ability and to strive to help other back home to do the same. What a gift!" Chloe Steepe, |
A program and reception with welcoming greetings from Ranch Kimball (CEO Joslin) and Professor Michael Bliss (conference keynote speaker) opened the conference and began dialogue and conversation that would move with energy and liveliness over the duration of the 4-day meeting. Old friends met and new friends were introduced to each other. The common bonds of diabetes and activity took on the rhythm of a marathon dance.
Presenters covered a wide scope of subjects ranging from very clinical and study supported academic lectures to more practical breakout sessions on numerous aspects of diabetes, exercise and sports. (If you were not there, several of the abstracts will be posted on this website). Speakers were very obliging and helpful, welcoming questions after their presentations and during breaks. There were lively exchanges and conversations as attendees visited the exhibitor area and enjoyed healthy meals and snacks throughout conference days. It was a busy meeting fully stacked with early morning runs, tai chi or workouts at the gym each day.
As always one of the major highlights of all DESA conferences is the "Ask the Jocks" panel. Boston was no exception. With Bill King moderating, there was an excellent give and take of information, advice and experience from Chris Dudley (pro basketball player, founder Chris Dudley Basketball Camp), Doug Burns (Mr. Universe, champion power lifter), Chloe Steepe (outdoor adventurer, founder Connected In Motion), Phil Southerland (Professional cyclist, founder TT1), Mari Ruddy (tri-athlete, founder Team WILD),) Bruce Linton (Iron man vet, 3- time Iditarod musher), Lew Finnegan (high school and college basketball star), and the winner of this year's LifeScan Athletic Achievement Award, Leanne Stanley (champion marathon paddler, 3 first place and 1 third place finishes this year in Dragon boat and Outrigger championship races). Leanne has taken off from her teaching job for the next year to compete in races around the world. No doubt she'll have some good reports to give along her competition route.
The Athletic Achievement Award ceremony this year was a fun filled evening at Emmanuel College. Live music and a New England Clam Bake added to the event. Charles Renfroe from LifeScan and Chris Dudley presented Leanne Stanley with her well earned award. The Lew Harper Memorial Youth Award recipient, Gregory MacNeill, was unable to join us at the conference. Gregory was preparing to compete in the Youth World Track and Field Championships in Italy as a member of Team Canada. (This competition was held in early July. Gregory brought home a bronze metal in the 110 meter hurdles. Way to go Gregory!)
A good time was had by all. When it came time to take pictures of the DESA Lifetime Members, old and new, Chris Dudley stepped up to our Executive Director, Doug Dressman and proclaimed that he wanted to join as a lifetime member. Doug stepped up to the plate and created a last minute frenzy that motivated a total of 25 new names to be added to the ever growing list.
Sunday morning was all about activity. Jason Aziz, type 1 athlete, exercise physiologist and chef, taught a terrific strength and stretching class, Guy Hornsby showed groups the proper and safe way to lift weights, while others took advantage of the basketball court to shoot some hoops. When the workouts ended Jason cooked up a delightful and spicy couscous and vegetable feast for all to enjoy. Everyone lined for seconds!
DESA thanks all the sponsors, supporters, presenters, speakers, volunteers, attendees and especially, Michael See, Dr. Kate Ackerman and Dr. Howard Wolpert for their dedicated work, organizing and producing such a successful conference. It could not have happened without them. We'll all cherish this rewarding time together at another DESA North American conference.
We are already working on a series of regional meetings for 2010 and will keep you posted on this website. So, come visit and take advantage of the new and improved services available here.