“I was determined to not sit around do nothing”
Diabetes Victoria member Norman has faced a number of health challenges over the years. Yet, neither type 2 diabetes nor a tumour in his kidney have stopped him living life to the fullest. At age 79, he is still racing his Porsche in AMS competitions , keeps physically fit through cycling, yoga and walking, and enjoys visiting his favourite local Greek tea shop every morning in Brunswick called Miss Penny.
Norman is a positive person and refuses to be slowed down by the condition. He remembers telling his endocrinologist of his plan to travel more than 1000 kilometres to Mt Kosciuszko, together with his partner of 40 years, Alison. “I remember him being somewhat concerned by that,” Norman recalls. “So, I called him at the top of Mt Kosciuszko to boast: ‘I’m here!’”
After Norman developed a tumour in his kidney, he had to have one of his kidneys removed. He believes he has developed strong resilience through this surgery and a few others, including knee and shoulder replacements. “I was determined to not sit around do nothing,” Norman says and started studying Spanish at university.
Norman developed type 2 diabetes more than 20 years ago. Learning of his diagnosis was a shock. “I thought it was the end of the world for me and felt really vulnerable,” Norman remembers. On his quest for help, he reached out to Diabetes Victoria and was quickly connected with a diabetes nurse educator, who helped him get his head around the diagnosis and answered all his questions.
“She explained to me that the condition was manageable and that I could live well with diabetes. I got a lot of support and I knew if I really needed help, Diabetes Victoria was there for me.”
Norman feels it is now time to give back and has decided to include a bequest for Diabetes Victoria in his will. “Some people give a little now, but I have changed my will to include Diabetes Victoria because I thought I would rather give a lot at the end,” Norman says.
A gift in your will can ensure that Diabetes Victoria’s vital services continue for the next generations to come. To learn more, head to the a gift in your will page or contact the bequest team by calling 1300 437 386 or emailing: bequest@diabetesvic.org.au.
