DARKAN’S Dirk Wasmann is chuffed to be recognised for his life changing decision to be the primary carer for his three diabetic sons.
Dirk this week won Carer of the Year in the inaugural Sweet Talk Awards, a national awards program celebrating the successes and achievements of everyday Australians affected by diabetes.
He was one of three finalists chosen by a panel of healthcare professionals and celebrity judges.
“It feels great to be recognised,” Dirk said.
“During the voting period, many people approached me and said they had voted for me and that I deserved to win. The support shown from my friends and local community has been great, and recognition they understand the impact diabetes has on our lives,” said Dirk.
His wife, Nicole, nominated Dirk after seeing the awards promoted in a magazine.
Dirk decided to be a stay-at-home father to his children so his wife could pursue a career in local government, effectively becoming the primary carer of three boys who were all diagnosed with diabetes at less than 16 months of age.
Kieran, now 13, was diagnosed at 11 months. Sam, 11, and Regan, 8, were both 15 months of age when diagnosed.
The painful experience of being told his son Kieran had diabetes was “terrifying”.
“Kieran at 11 months old had been sick for weeks and had been to the doctor five time in three weeks before he was finally diagnosed, almost in a coma,” Dirk said.
“Nicole and Kieran were flown to Perth, whilst I drove to Perth on my own. “Driving to Perth, so many things went through my mind – not knowing anything about diabetes or what the future held.
“We diagnosed Sam and Regan ourselves - recognising signs of hyperglycaemia. Knowing about diabetes made their diagnoses less scary, but no less devastating.”
Having to deal with diabetes on a daily basis is not easy.
“We identified that Regan also had diabetes the day before Kieran and Sam were booked in to have their first insulin pumps,” Dirk said.
“At the time, there was a long waiting list to go on to pumps and we did not want to miss the opportunity to put them on a pump.
“Dealing with a completely different regime for two children - who were five and three at the time - as well as a newly diagnosed 15 month old was a really difficult period of our lives.”
And, the challenges did not end there.
“One of the challenges is dealing with kids who want more independence,” Dirk said.
“As we live in a rural community a number of the kids’ friends live on farms. The kids want to be able to visit friends on their own and have sleep overs – and have found it difficult to understand why this is not always possible. Sometimes either one of us goes to the sleep over too, and on one occasion the whole family went.”
Dirk’s courage and steely determination to overcome the odds is readily evident.
“We deal with everyday situations like anyone else,” Dirk said.
“We don’t know any different. Diabetes doesn’t have to get in anyone’s way. It just takes a little more planning and preparation sometimes. There are situations that are far worse than diabetes, and we are grateful for three happy, healthy children to share our lives with.”
Part of making it work for his family is having a strong support network.
“Nicole and I work together to assist the kids manage their diabetes,” Dirk said.
“Our neighbour, Joanne, has also been a huge support. Always there when needed including at the boys’ school, where she is an education assistant.”
Developments in the area of diabetes research meant managing the disease was easier than first thought.
“Blood glucose monitors now do a test in five seconds, rather than 30,” Dirk said. “Insulin pumps give a little more freedom, like staying on the beach fishing past dinner time. Test strips absorb the blood on the tip, rather than having to get the perfect drop on top of the strip after pricking a tiny little finger.”
Winning the highest gong has its perks, including a $1000 RedBallon gift voucher. The voucher provides a choice of gifts including a once in a lifetime hot air balloon ride.
At this stage, Dirk is unsure what he will choose and if he will take his wife’s advice. “Nicole would like me to choose an experience for myself, like the chance to ride in a V8 super car,” Dirk said. “I would prefer to do something that my whole family would enjoy. The boys are keen on a fishing charter and have worked out that the voucher would cover dad and the three boys.”
Dirk’s award coincides with world Diabetes Day on Monday.
Past President of the Australian Diabetes Society Professor Maarten Kamp said it was important to reward those who have excelled, while managing diabetes.
“With the diabetes epidemic now threatening the health of almost two million Australians, it is important to recognise the accomplishments of people who deal with diabetes, whether as a person with diabetes, a parent, friend or professional,” he added.
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