We began in November 2006 as a group of people living with diabetes in their lives who wanted to do something different to raise diabetes awareness. For some it was a challenge, for some it was a fantasy come true, for all it was a very public display of love. Please enjoy the art, love the stories and share your own if you can.   

I just had to send a note and let you know how COOL it is to see these pics on a site for diabetes...thanks for inspiring!!!! Kim S.

For Liam

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.  Within 4 years, there will be over 3 million Canadians living with this disease. One of those people is my son.  Liam was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the ripe old age of two.  Every day I strive to keep him as healthy as possible.  Every day I work to ensure that he is just like any other nine year old boy. 

Liam isn’t just like any other nine year old boy however.  That is one of the reasons that I created the online community called Diabetes Advocacy (www.diabetesadvocacy.com ).  Each year Diabetes Advocacy has done its bit to increase awareness of diabetes and diabetes related issues in this country.  We have sent out calendars filled with people living with diabetes and have created booklets filled with their stories.  This year we have taken awareness to a new level. 

Across North America—from Newfoundland to California, people have come together through Diabetes Advocacy with one common goal.  They have decided to have a tattoo done to raise awareness of Type 1 Diabetes. Yesterday, I had mine done.  

No one in my immediate family had a clue that I was even considering this.  My oldest son was shocked.  My youngest told me I took after him and was tough! Despite the shock, the reaction has been the same—Wow! 

I would like to thank Bernard at Peek-a-Boo Tattoos in Stephenville for creating a true work of art and a picture of love. The tattoo you see below was created by him from a very rough concept I brought to him. He created two hearts for my two children—equal in my love.  He added a touch of color that reflected their birthstones.  He kept hues soft and loving. The ribbons are grey and in Liam’s case, end in the Diabetes Awareness ribbon.  His heart also shows the drop of blood that he must part with every time he eats and plays so that we can ensure his blood glucose level is okay. The fit is perfect to my shoulder.  The concept is perfect to my heart.  

When you see my tattoo,  please ask questions. I would love to tell you about the love and the fear that sits on my shoulder.  If you notice the tattoo was placed over my left shoulder so that the two things dearest to my heart will always be there—my boys and this dreaded disease.

For Gail

Tonight went well...although I would NOT recommend to anyone they get their shoulder tattooed. IT HURT! Now some might say "duh", but honestly my lower back tattoo didn't hurt AT ALL- this one....good thing there were other people there watching so I kept being brave....OUCH. Now after I had my shower this evening it felt a lot better being rinsed off and cleaned- but remind me next time I mention doing this what this one felt like...all for Gail. The things we do for our kids (lol) Everything went really good- the television people didn't go- thank goodness. I think I was more nervous about them being there than anything, BUT the newspaper WAS- and they took about 50 pictures so who can tell what will end up in the paper.

Kim's Medical Bracelet

Kim didn't like any of the medical bracelets out there so she checked out our Tattoo page and decided that this was the way for her to wear her medical bracelet!

For Kody

My son Kody was diagnosed last year at the age of 6. It changed our lives forever. Most people don't realize the sacrifice children and adults make daily with this affliction. Kody is so brave he has already learned to test and give himself injections in less than a year. He held us, his parents, together when we didn't know what to do. My tattoo is of both of my boys, but Kody did the colors and final dragon design. He is an awesome artist and I wanted to do something that showed my kids will always be supported by me but showed the strength they have no matter what they face. Every time everyone asks, I give them the story so they know how serious type 1 diabetes is. 

Jason, Kody's Dad

Jason's latest tattoo for Kody...

Ring is the diabetic logo ring. Nautical star is for good luck in our travels/future. Medical Alert Symbol, because it is with us forever now. Date on the left is Kody’s Birthday. Date on the right is Kody’s DX date. Both dates are dates my life changed forever! Type 1 son says it all.

For Libby, Alex and Tom

Based on Liam's tattoo, Darlene had this shoulder tattoo done for her family in November 2007. A work of art...a work of love. Thank you again for sharing with us!

Libby's Tattoo

Libby's tattoo, her design, the stars are her parent's birthstones

 

For Savannah

Stillborn child of Mindy King and Ryan Spenser due to Mindy's diabetes

For Zakk and Isabella

Other Tattoos: