The Bittersweetness of Diabetes

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The Bittersweetness of Diabetes gives insight
    into living with this chronic disease.
It enlightens the reader to daily tasks, thoughts,
    and struggles in trying to manage with ease.

Many diabetics will no longer feel alone,
    they'll be able to relate and connect.
This story may further help supportive loved ones
   gain more patience, understanding, and respect.

The author shares her firsthand experiences
    and her drive in lessening further strife.
She's adjusting to a vigilant lifestyle and legal blindness,
yet, still leads an active life.

This book is written in the author's unique
   style of poetry, i.e. informational.
In addition, Cheryl's journey is
   spiritual, humorous, and inspirational.

This process has helped her tap into
   hidden inner resources to deal with this disease.
Cheryl continues to strongly believe
   that nothing can stop her, not even diabetes.

Many years ago a young woman walked into my office. She was a juvenile diabetic and she was experiencing decreased vision. This young woman was Cheryl Crane. A careful eye examination revealed that she was suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Specifically, she had a type of retinopathy called Macular Edema. In this condition the diabetes damages the small blood vessels of the retina and causes them to become leaky. ...Cheryl was referred to San Francisco to consult with a world authority on the subject, who was using some new laser techniques to treat patients with her problem. Cheryl underwent several laser treatments on both eyes to halt the deterioration of her vision. 

Ultimately these treatments were successful...curing her macular edema, but, unfortunately, she was left with decreased and impaired vision.

The real story here, however, is not Cheryl's eye problem or its treatment. The real story is about how Cheryl coped with her loss of vision. ...Cheryl refused to accept the fact that she was impaired or disabled. As a result of her attitude she trained and retrained herself to live with her impaired vision. Cheryl developed new skills and new ways of working and playing.

...Despite a significant loss of vision, she has carried on a full and normal life injected with adventure and hard work. She has truly lived her life to the fullest extent. This has not only brought happiness to her and her husband, Larry, but also to her friends, students, and fellow teachers. Many have been inspired by her attitude and hard work and as a result they have bettered themselves.

~Dr. Scott Brower, M.D.

Read the full excerpt in the Foreword from
"The Bittersweetness of Diabetes."