Doing Something About It - Will Cross Inspires

by gloria yee

Recently, I went to hear a speech by Will Cross with my husband and our 12-year-old son. Will Cross, who is probably well known by many readers, has type 1 diabetes and a passion for adventure. I also have type 1, and I like to attend these kinds of events because they provide me with “juice.” No, not the juice I take for low blood sugars. This “juice” helps me do what I do every day – check my blood sugars at least eight times a day even when I don’t feel like it, wear my pump even when I would prefer not to, watch what I eat even when I would rather not. You know what I’m talking about – everyday diabetes stuff. It’s draining, so I need “juice” (sans carbs) to replenish my soul; hence, attending this talk. My husband and son came along because I asked them. (Read that last sentence again. I know I’m fortunate.)

When Will Cross was nine years old, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and his mom said, “You have a choice. You can whine about it, or you can do something about it.” Like any 9-year-old, Will whined. But when he finished complaining, he decided to do something about it. His presentation was on “doing something about it.”

Will Cross had a dream. His goal was to be the first American and the first person with diabetes to reach both the North and South poles and the Seven Summits. On May 23, 2006, he became the first person with diabetes to reach the top of Mount Everest. And with that achievement, the last peak to go, he accomplished his goals. He shared with us the challenges of grueling treks in unimaginable conditions; he told a story about turning back when he was so close to Everest’s peak, because his climbing partner risked losing his vision; he described his successes and his failures. We saw pictures of his wife, Amy, and their six children. He showed us that with preparation and determination, we can achieve our goals. We may not be mountain climbers but we all have dreams. With the right support and attitude, we can do anything. Will Cross had a dream. To make his dream a reality, he had to take charge of his diabetes. Having diabetes means more preparation, more chores, more “stuff.” Having diabetes does not mean an end to our dreams.

Will Cross made an impression on my family. My son is sharing Will’s stories with relative strangers. I wonder what his dreams are. My husband, an avid cyclist, is planning to cycle the Italian Alps next summer. And me? I was hoping to become a travel nurse when I was diagnosed with diabetes in nursing school 20 years ago. Diabetes squashed that dream. I did not have the skills, the confidence, or the tools to take care of myself in underdeveloped countries. I still like to page through old travel magazines and envision myself in Egypt – tombs, pyramids, bazaars, a cool breeze from the Nile.

But now, maybe it’s time to stop my reveries. There’s a stack of Lonely Planet books in my house, and I have renewed my passport.

Thanks, Will.

Gloria Yee is an RN and certified diabetes educator who has type 1 diabetes and whose hobbies include photography and travel. She is on the advisory board of diaTribe. See more at Contributors.