THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 1997 TAG: 9701070004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 24 lines
Mal Vincent's review of the movie ``Evening Star'' stated, ``So-called family dramas, especially at this time of year, usually concern families that are so sickeningly sweet that sensible audiences might need a diabetes shot.''
A diabetes shot?
As someone whose father, husband and grandchild have diabetes, I was deeply upset with the humorous reference to this life-threatening condition. People die from diabetes. I watch my 10-year-old granddaughter regularly stick her tiny fingers for blood and give herself injections that will keep her alive. That insulin is not a medicine to make her feel better but a substance her body does not produce.
Facing a future of possible kidney disease, blindness and amputation is not funny. Yes, there are many strides being made, and those with diabetes strive to live a life as ``normal'' as is possible; but these are the realities that they face.
KATHY DAUGHERTY
Virginia Beach, Dec. 28, 1996