Dick and I are both doing great.  Dick hit a milestone birthday this past February when he turned 75!  The fact that at 75 years old Dick is enjoying his life full of energy and vitality when in 2002 he was morbidly obese, on insulin, couldn't walk except for short distances, etc., I believe is a true testament to our program. 

I'd like to share just one of the many stories  -- Sharon Schneider's story.  Sharon gave us permission to use her name and her story.    

Sharon is amazing.  In the Spring of 2012, she was devastated because she lost her husband to diabetes.  Shortly after losing her husband, she was shocked to learn that she too has diabetes.  She saw the PSCD Parma Community Education Flyer and signed up for our classes of October 2012.  I remember that she cried often during those classes.  

In March of 2013 Sharon returned to our class and told us that she had lost 50 pounds and her fasting blood sugar numbers had dropped significantly.  She showed us her lab reports and pointed out where her doctor had written on the report: "Congratulations, Sharon.  Keep up the good work."

Sharon came back to our class in October of 2013 this time as our guest.  She spoke to that class about her experiences.  Sharon was kind enough to mention that if it had not been for Mary and Dick and these classes she would still be ill and possibly wind up like her beloved husband.  She reported that  at this point she's lost 70 pounds and her doctors are thrilled with her progress.  Her Cleveland Clinic doctor asked her how she did this and Sharon said that her reply was, "Have you ever heard of Mary, The Diabetes Lady?"  :)  

Sharon and all people like Sharon who are suffering the horrible effects of diabetes are why Dick and I present these classes. Our number one goal is for people to become "empowered patients who are proactive partners with their physicians in their own healthcare."