About DEAR Diabetes

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I'm Lorie Lewis, President of DEAR Diabetes.

In 2022, two mothers and two daughters, Alita and Anna, were brought together by diabetes.   

Both Alita and Anna, as young women living with diabetes were struggling with the daily burden of their disease. 2022 was a difficult year for both Anna and Alita. Their struggles spawned a mission to help others. 

My story -

Like many families with generational diabetes, my mother, grandfather, and great uncle were diagnosed with diabetes later in life and my husband's family has a history of diabetes.

For the Lewis family, it seemed diabetes was inevitable as you get older.  However, not unlike other families with generational diabetes, we saw diabetes occur at younger ages. I was diagnosed in my mid-30's and our daughter, who was hardly ever sick, was diagnosed at 12 at her school physical. Her daughter was  diagnosed at 9 with a rarer form of diabetes, MODY.  

What we were unaware of was the devastating impact diabetes would have on our family. The progression of diabetes was spiraling out of control.

Alita's story -

By 2022, Alita's vision had already begun deteriorating as a result of diabetic retinopathy, and she had already lost 2 toes months prior. Then she battled for her life from a gangrene infected foot which led to osteomyelitis and sepsis.  After surgery to remove a bone in her foot and months of rehabilitation, in October 2022, she had a below the knee amputation.

Although Alita lowered her A1C, in June 2024, Alita developed an ulcer on her right foot which led to the amputation of her remaining toes in September 2024.

Her resilience and strength have been an inspiration to everyone.  

Anna's story - 

Anna was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes outside what was then considered the typical age for Type 1.  Anna struggled her first year in college as a young independent woman navigating classes and life newly diagnosed with diabetes. 

Anna lost her diabetic alert dog, Leo, of 7.5 years who was critical to her care. Anna was hospitalized multiple times since Leo wasn’t there to alert.

How you can help

With more than 1 in 10 individuals across the US and in Nebraska living with diabetes, most likely you know someone who is struggling.   Diabetes is a complicated disease, and the costs can be overwhelming.  It is not as simple as telling someone to change their lifestyle and eat differently. 

While both Anna and Alita had support from their families, they were young, independent women and did not want to burden their families with their struggles.  This is something we hear frequently, which can contribute to more diabetes complications.  They tried to lean on others outside of their families for help but found it difficult at times to find the assistance needed.

Although Anna no longer lives in Omaha, we were able to connect in the summer of 2022, Lorie, Alita, and Anna expressed their desire to provide assistance to others living with diabetes and DEAR Diabetes was created. 

Will you join us in our mission to support individuals in our community?   

Mission

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DEAR Diabetes’ mission is to provide diabetes education, awareness and resources to a diverse audience while supporting individuals with limited resources/ funds to manage their diabetic care successfully.

Vision

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Dear Diabetes’ Vision is to grow a community by outreach, grants, events and partnerships to help create a safe place for individuals living with diabetes to thrive and live their best life.