A difficult diagnosis and a lifeline of support
“A Kind and Useful Organisation”: Why Joan Chose to Leave a Gift in Her Will to Diabetes Victoria
When Joan walks into her favourite local café, she never arrives unnoticed. Her loyal Golden Retriever, Martha (rescued at age two and now a cherished best friend) trots in beside her, greeting familiar faces as if they were all part of her extended family. Locals stop to say hello, and it’s clear that Joan is deeply immersed in her community.
At 81 years young, Joan is an active, independent, and warm-spirited woman. She mows her own lawns, maintains her home, and tends lovingly to her pots of bulbs, especially her favourite orchids that bring her joy. She is a retired nurse, a long-standing member of her local Orchard club in North Balwyn, and a proud supporter of Diabetes Victoria.
When it came time to prepare her will, Joan knew exactly who she wanted to support: the people, causes, and organisations that have mattered most to her. Among them is Diabetes Victoria.
A difficult diagnosis and a lifeline of support
Joan has been living with type 2 diabetes since 2003. She remembers the day she was diagnosed clearly - largely because it was frightening and confusing.
“It was a bit of a shock,” she says. “My doctor was away, and the fill-in doctor was very judgmental.”
What followed made things even harder. She was handed a script, sent to the pharmacy, and left to figure out the rest on her own.
“I went to the pharmacy, and they didn’t know what to do either. Nobody showed me how to use anything. The pharmacist apologised because she hadn’t had any training. I was stuck.”
After several days of confusion and worry, Joan didn’t know where to turn.
“I couldn’t go back to the doctor because she was no help. So that’s when I rang Diabetes Victoria and I got this gorgeous lady on the phone who was just so nice.”
That call changed everything. A Diabetes Victoria health professional spent half an hour with Joan on the phone, answering questions, offering reassurance, and helping her through those first overwhelming days. She received information in the mail, joined as a member, and felt supported for the first time since her diagnosis.
“What Diabetes Victoria did for me was an amazing help,” she says. “It was an unsure and scary time, but they reassured me and treated me without judgment.”
Supporting the future
Over the years, Joan has carefully built a diabetes care team she trusts. Today, she sees endocrinologist Dr Sue Goh and continues to manage her diabetes well - never having experienced a hypo herself, though she has supported friends who have. She has stayed curious about diabetes research and technology, recognising how much treatment has improved since her diagnosis.
“The medications available back then are now redundant. There's so much good stuff around now,” she explains. “I think the reason I’ve supported Diabetes Victoria was mainly the research. And as I’ve gotten older, the support is even more important than it was.”
Joan was pleased to learn about Diabetes Victoria’s work in reducing diabetes stigma - something she has personally encountered. She believes in the importance of compassionate, accessible support from day one.
“Supporting Diabetes Victoria means that other people will hopefully get better treatment from the start.”
Why Joan chose to nominate a gift in her will
Joan has confirmed her gift in will to Diabetes Victoria many times over the years. Her motivation is simple and deeply heartfelt.
“It was that lady I spoke to in the early days. The help I got back then made me think what a nice organisation it was and what a useful, helpful, kind organisation Diabetes Victoria is.”
Although Joan lives on a limited income today and is unable to donate regularly, she still wanted to make a meaningful impact. A gift in her will gave her a way to do that.
The process, she says, is surprisingly easy.
“It only took the time of a cup of coffee. I knew what I wanted to do and who I wanted to leave things to. I had a list prepared.”
Having seen firsthand how difficult it was for her own father to discuss his will, Joan wanted to make things clearer for those she cares about.
“It left a complicated scenario,” she says. “Writing a will is like any kind of insurance; it makes sure what you want to happen does happen. And it makes it easier for your loved ones.”
Staying connected and giving back
Today, Joan feels grateful and content knowing that her gift will one day help others who, like her, may face scary or uncertain beginnings. Her legacy will help ensure that they are met with compassion, expert support, and life-changing knowledge.
She is proud to give back to the organisation that stood by her when she needed it most and to create a positive impact for future generations.
For information on how to include a gift in your will click here.
We’re happy to chat! Reach out to Carla anytime on 0413 557 141
To be sent a bequest brochure, email us at bequest@diabetesvic.org.au
Thank you for your wonderful support and thoughtful consideration.
