Laura Plunkett
This inspiring account of the impact of diabetes on a multigenerationalfamily includes successful strategies for dealing with the emotional,nutritional, and practical issues of caretaking.When seven-year-old Danny was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, his mother, LauraPlunkett, a psychotherapist with a private practice in Marblehead, MA, desperatelysearched for ways to cope with his life-threatening disease. Struggling to manage heranxiety over wildly fluctuating blood sugar numbers, to transform her reluctant family’sdiet, and to educate friends and teachers, she eventually finds unique ways to helpDanny attain excellent blood sugar control and a new and comfortable sense of normal.To help others weather such shocking new circumstances, Laura and her extendedfamily share their three-year journey from crisis to confidence with humor andwarmth. An intimate look at issues of nutrition, exercise, sibling rivalry, medical care,and holistic medicine, The Challenge of Childhood Diabetes is the friend, coach, andconsultant that the family of every newly-diagnosed child will turn to on a daily basis.Written with her mother, Linda Weltner, former 'Ever So Humble' columnist for TheBoston Globe, the book includes a Survival Guide forthose seeking support and a new emotionalperspective.The Challenge of Childhood Diabetes is insightful andcompassionate, filling the void between doctors’ visitswith the comforting voice of a loving andexperienced caretaker. It’s an invaluable resource forextended family, friends, teachers, neighbors, andmedical professionals.Visit www.challengeofdiabetes.com for more information.'This book is a gem. It will most assuredly help patients, their family members andtheir friends as they meet the many challenges ahead, including the compellingemotional issues largely ignored in the doctor’s office.'-Will Cross, the first person with Type 1 diabetes toreach the summits of the seven highest continental mountain peaks, including Mt. Everest. 3
