Islets of Hope real people - stories from others living with type 1 diabetes

A  few kind words about
The Body in Balance Center

The Body in Balance center is owned and operated by an inspiring and remarkable woman for whom I have tremendous respect; Ann Bartlett, founder of the Body in  Balance Center.

Ann began her training at Kripalu Yoga Ashram, Lenox, MA. During her time there, she learned that massage and holistic approaches to her own health afforded her more control over her juvenile diabates. Ann explained, "By taking a hard look at my own body's response, I realized I could help other people with similar issues."

In 1988, Ann attended The Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy for AMTA Swedish and Therapeutic certification and training in Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy.  Her strong belief in continuing education in massage and integrative approaches to wellness has been a unique part of her practice.

Because of Ann's personal experience with Juvenile Diabetes, she divides her time between world-class athletes and working with clients (children and adults), who have been diagnosed with cancer, MS, Lou Gehrig's disease, fibromyalgia, and other chronic illnesses including diabetes.

Ann is a business owner living with diabetes and that qualifies her to advertise on our site for free.  But it is her passion for people and comprehensive training (plus, she's a really nice person)  that prompted me to pursue her  to advertise on IOH.

So here is an unsolicited shameless plug from me personally, to Ann.

Lahle Wolfe, Founder
Islets of Hope

If you are fortunate enough to live in the Northern VA area, and are looking for supportive therapies, contact Ann. (Tell her Lahle sent you).

Real people
Stories of others living with Type 1 diabetes

Ann, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5 and living well at age 42!
Alexandria, VA

"One thing I'm clear about is that I'm not limited by being diabetic, I feel that I'm in better shape than most people because of it.  If you learn to use it to your advantage it makes you strong."

I was diagnosed with juvenile type 1 diabetes at the age of 5.  In those days diagnosis was a week in the hospital to set up care and understanding for the family.  My diagnosis happened the week of Easter; okay how big does the message have to be for a 5-year-old?!  While most families would feel saddened or daunted by a diagnosis, my mother decided her task was to understand and construct as normal a life as she could for me.  Her job as social worker, focused on children's needs, gave her the tools to be my advocate.  With the help of my pediatrician, Dr. Wade, a strong advocate for mother's courage, my mother began by understanding the nature of the disease.  Her goal was to teach me how to cope and remain independent.  She insisted no one would decide my limits for me, instead she encouraged me to participate with friends, activities and fun, while keeping my responsibility to my health. My father became involved in a small start up foundation called Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, now JDRF.  My dad was a pilot for TWA and his goal was to find a cure.  He worked tirelessly as an international ambassador for JDF, bringing endocrinologists from all over the world to the US to help strengthen the efforts of Lee Ducat and JDF.  He and I brought the first blood glucose monitor to this country, smuggling it in under his flight jacket past security, to help a boy in Philadelphia who needed it desperately. But the monitor brought fire power to Lee and her growing army to make congress hear what we needed.  That's my history...

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Page Updated 10/25/2006