Yarrawonga Health Diabetes Nurse Practitioner Janet Lagstrom presents Kellion Victory Medals to Geoff Woods and Frank Johnson as they are joined by Frank’s wife Tess and Yarrawonga Health, Health Promotions officer Siobhan Johnston.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
As young men just learning the ropes of life, Yarrawonga’s Frank Johnson and Geoff Woods never expected their symptoms to be something so lifechanging.
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Now just over 50 years later, on World Diabetes Day, Thursday, November 14, Frank and Geoff were recognised with Kellion Victory Medals by Diabetes Victoria for living with the condition all these years.
Diagnosed with type one diabetes was – and still is – a life sentence and while the men are happy to be here to receive the honour, it has rarely been easy.
If diabetes isn’t managed carefully, it can strike back with serious complications including kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, vision loss, amputations and sadly, death.
In Victoria, there are currently more than 374,000 people living with diabetes but Diabetes Victoria estimates almost another 125,000 Victorians are living undiagnosed.
Only around 2321 people in Australia have been awarded the Kellion Victory Medal which also assists in taking a stand against diabetes stigma with 80% of people feeling ashamed when diagnosed with the disease.
At a special ceremony held at the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort by the Yarrawonga Mulwala T1PS - Type 1 Diabetes Peer Support Group, which is a local group that catches up for coffee bi-monthly to join with others suffering with diabetes as well as education nights co-ordinated by Diabetes Nurse Practitioner Janet Lagstrom, Frank and Geoff were awarded with silver plaques, certificates and a beautiful lunch while they shared in their over half a century living with the disease.
Frank is often seen around town walking with his ski poles as he is a keen walker, aware of the benefits to maintain his fitness and address health issues.
Frank has lived with diabetes since 1973 and successfully managed work in the police force gaining rank of Inspector. Frank proudly represented Victoria in Rugby Union, School level water polo and the local Aussie Rules Club.
“My father also had T1 Diabetes and I knew from his situation, that I was at risk of diabetes,” Frank said.
“When I realised I may have diabetes I asked for an immediate referral to Dr Harry Briedal.
“I was admitted to hospital for observation and treatment. I learnt how to inject myself and check my blood, treatment and more about diabetes.
“I was still able to reach the position of Inspector with VicPol and was chosen to represent Victoria at the entombment of the unknown Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra - a great honour.
“I also represented Victoria in Rugby Union, school level water polo and the local Aussie Rules Club.
“There have been many changes in technologies and improvements to treatments over the 50 years.
“The new sensors, while they are not perfect and they frustrate me at times when they fall off earlier than meant to, have assisted me most.
“I wouldn’t be here without my wife Tess and my Diabetes Nurse (Practitioner) Janet Lagstrom who supported me with the blood glucose sensors and has introduced me to other people with T1 Diabetes at regular coffee meets and education sessions - which I really enjoy the chats.
“I have now successfully managed T1Diabetes for 51 years and proud to share my story with others starting out.”
For Geoff, he was 15 years old and playing footy when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in July 1969, noticing that he had been feeling tired and was constantly needing the toilet.
Geoff Woods was supported by his niece, her husband and nephew.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“Our family GP Dr. Wilkinson initially looked after me in Yarrawonga Hospital, where I stayed for five days and learnt how to give daily injections,” Geoff said.
"I remember checking my urine, not blood, so it was hard to choose how much insulin to take.
"At times it was a battle, but it worked alright. On the farm out on Rennie Road, we managed together. My grandfather owned part of the property, and I had mum and dad, so we all looked after each other.”
Despite dealing with this life-changing condition, Geoff said he never let his diabetes get the better of him.
"I enjoyed footy and tennis and didn't let it affect me, I still went and played, then became a farmer,” Geoff said.
“I never let it get me down!
"When I started to go out when I left school, I was able to get my licence.
“I never let it worry me. I never had a bad hypo where I had to get my friends to help. I have never seen a specialist in all these years."
T1PS Support Group had a wonderful surprise for Geoff with Peter Wilkinson, the son of Geoff’s GP Dr Wilkinson who diagnosed Geoff 50 years ago, there to witness the award ceremony and enjoyed a great chat with Geoff and his family sharing stories.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Though he credits his local district nurse Warren and his Yarrawonga Health diabetes educator Janet Lagstrom as being great sources of support, Geoff is proud of how he has been able to self-manage his diabetes for over 50 years and considers it his best achievement, along with his farm.
"It's a satisfying reward for the years of putting up with diabetes," he says.
"It's nice knowing I'm not alone and that others are doing it hard too."
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