My Father-Son Relationship interview with the BBC
I was contacted recently by BBC World Services and asked to be part of a report they were doing about the relationships between fathers and sons. I want to thank reporter Nastaran Tavakoli-Far for using some of what I shared in her piece. It was incredibly interesting to listen while not knowing how much, if any, of what I shared would be used. The report is about 25 minutes long and features a number of fathers from all walks of life. Enjoy!
Molly Fichtner named Head Coach at the University of Louisiana
Congratulations to former Alabama catcher (and former Juicebox Podcast guest) Molly Fichtner on being named the Head Coach of the softball program at the University of Louisiana!
“Molly has an incredible passion for the game and is a tremendous leader. I look forward to seeing her impact and elevate the ULM softball program and having her in Louisiana.
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Molly Fichtner, who has seen success at the highest levels of the game, has been named ULM's seventh head softball coach, as announced by interim athletics director Scott McDonald on Friday, Sept. 21. The Houston, Texas, native has spent the last year as an assistant coach at East Carolina University. The appointment is pending approval by the University of Louisiana system's Board of Supervisors.
"Molly is highly-respected within the coaching community and her academic achievements garnered as a student-athlete have transferred over into her coaching career, leading her to great heights, and thankfully ULM," ULM Interim Athletics Director Scott McDonald said. "She has an outstanding reputation for player development and proven success in promoting the importance of academics with student-athletes. We are elated to have Molly join us at ULM, and we are thrilled about the impact she's going to have on the softball program and the community."
Fichtner makes the transition to ULM from Greenville where she was an assistant coach for the ECU softball program. Before her time with the Pirates, Fichtner spent two seasons in the same role at Dartmouth College.
After her honor-filled collegiate career, Fichtner remained at Alabama as a volunteer coach while pursuing her master's degree. After finishing her master's degree in 2015, she played one season in the National Fastpitch (NPF) league with the Dallas Charge.
You can read the rest of the article here.
Watch Molly’s press conference and listen to her appearance on the Juicebox Podcast.
Uploaded by ULM Warhawks Video on 2018-09-24.
Rule change for T1Ds and operating commercial motor vehicles
Federal motor carrier safety administration (FMCSA), DOT rule change…
FMCSA revises its regulations to permit individuals with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce!
from the American Diabetes Association:
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for its new rule permitting individuals with insulin-treated diabetes to be certified to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. The new rule, published in the Federal Register yesterday, is the culmination of more than two decades of advocacy by the ADA to change the rules that govern commercial drivers with diabetes.
Since the 1990s, when Congress and FMCSA began studying the feasibility of licensing people who use insulin through waiver and exemption programs, ADA has been pushing for a medically-appropriate system to individually assess people with diabetes. Recognizing the discrimination that results when people are deemed unsafe simply because of how they treat their diabetes, ADA insisted on better, more fair rules. ADA celebrates the achievement of that goal today with FMCSA’s final rule.
FMCSA rules apply to most people who operate commercial motor vehicles – trucks, buses, construction vehicles, delivery vehicles, airport shuttles, etc. – in interstate commerce. In addition, many employers adopted the rule for their own use in evaluating workers, even if those workers were not directly subject to the rule itself. As a result, a rule that categorically excludes people who use insulin means people with diabetes are kept out of many jobs they are otherwise qualified to perform. The old rule contained a blanket exclusion against insulin use regardless of how well a person managed his or her diabetes. In 2003, FMCSA began granting exemptions to individuals who could satisfy safety criteria and wait out a long and cumbersome application process. The application process involved a period of many months during which the individual could not drive a commercial vehicle, often resulting in loss of income.
The new rule allows individuals on a stable insulin regimen to operate commercial vehicles without needing to obtain an exemption from the government. It provides for an appropriate assessment of diabetes by the individual’s treating clinician, followed by examination and certification from a certified medical examiner. “This rule eliminates a longstanding barrier that prevented people with diabetes from fully realizing their potential in the workforce,” said Katie Hathaway, JD, Vice President of Legal Advocacy for the American Diabetes Association. “I’m proud of ADA’s commitment to this issue and to leading the fight for what’s right for people with diabetes. We are so pleased to celebrate this victory alongside those affected by the outdated rule.”
Read the rest of the ADA’s statement here
Navigating Life After a Type 1 Death
INTRODUCING JESSE WAS HERE
Supporting those navigating life after a Type 1 death, Jesse Was Here, a unique program of Beyond Type 1, expands our efforts to a community often invisible and cements our commitment to addressing all aspects of this disease, even the most challenging. Jesse Was Here was inspired by Michelle Page-Alswager’s experience after her son Jesse’s death. She’s been mentoring several hundred parents on her own and we have others – spouses, siblings, grandparents, friends – who are in need of similar support and resources. Working together, we hope to serve this unique and deserving community.
I first met Michelle when she was on the Juicebox Podcast back in 2016. I was honored that she shared Jesse’s story with me and I am further honored to share her amazing resource with you. Michelle has built an incredible repository of information to help navigate life after a type 1 death. Her website is full of loving guidance for parents, siblings, spouses, family and friends. She even helps those of us in the community to understand how to show support to others suffering. I hope that you never need to draw on Michelle’s experience but if you do - jesse-was-here.org.
Disaster Information
Click to download the DDRC Preparedness Plan in English
The Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (DDRC) formed in 2017 in response to a succession of devastating Atlantic Hurricanes that impacted the mainland US AND territories. DDRC is a national coalition of Nonprofit and for-profit stakeholder organizations that have A direct interest in serving the needs of the diabetes community and/or a role in planning and executing supply chains, public awareness, and healthcare services during times of disaster.
The DDRC website houses all of the information and links that you need during a disaster.
DDRC Resources
Pharmacies & Shelters
Healthcare Providers
Customer Care Phone Numbers
Insurance Support
Hurricane Resources
Resources