Patient Stories

When Dawn was diagnosed with diabetes last year, her condition became part of  her husband's life, too.

Larry and Dawn, who’ve been married 31 years, are empty-nesters who live in Old Brooklyn. They didn’t know much about diabetes when Dawn’s tiredness prompted a visit to Neighborhood Family Practice. A blood test launched the couple on a journey they take together everyday.

“We’re people of faith,” Larry said. “We thought this is a part of life, and we’ll go forward.”

For Dawn, 53, moving forward meant checking her sugar twice a day, taking her pills and tracking her blood glucose levels.

For Larry, 54, diabetes meant a new kind of support for his wife.

He went with Dawn to her diabetes education classes, so he could learn, too. He makes monthly calendars that Dawn uses to track her blood sugars and “ugly” foods she eats that are not on her diet. He writes questions for Dawn, who is shy, to ask her doctor.

The McNamees’ three grown children living in the area are part of the team too. Larry has taught them what to watch for and what to do to take care of Dawn if she has a problem when he’s not around.

But mostly, Larry supports Dawn by showing her that they’re in this together. Each day, he asks, “How are you feeling?” and “What are your blood sugars?”

“Psychologically, it makes her feel that she doesn’t have this cross to bear all by herself,” Larry said.