What do you get when one Australian diabetes blogger decides to hit the States for a multi-city tour aiming to connect him with a whole mess of U.S. online diabetes advocate friends, asking them to show up at either Los Angeles, Kansas City, or New York City?
You get Simonpalooza, a diabetes meet-up of epic proportions. Conceived earlier this summer when Simon, a 30-something type 1 who guest blogged for us about living with diabetes in Australia, decided to come to America with the goal of meeting as many people with diabetes as he could.
What came out of that announcement is nothing short of a miracle, as more and more folks signed up to be Simon’s Welcoming Committee. Simon arrived in LA on Friday Oct. 7, and was greeted by George Simmons, and then flew the next day to Kansas City where 25 PWDs and their loved ones welcomed him with open arms. Simon is now in New York City, where the 3rd and final Simonpalooza party will take place this Saturday, Oct. 15, with dozens more “networked PWDs” expected to show! (contact Caroline Sheehan for more info)
I had the pleasure and privilege of being amongst the crowd who met Simon at his Kansas City stop on his three-city journey across the country. We crammed a ton of fun into 48 hours: a pre-party at Jess’s home on Friday; a visit on Saturday to Barbara Campbell, also a guest blogger here, who has diabetes and breast cancer, and was in the hospital for an infection following cancer surgery; a landing party for Simon’s arrival at the airport (there were tons of onlookers!); followed by a big BBQ dinner — where we discovered our waitress also has diabetes! — plus more chatting and hanging out at the hotel; and finally a farewell brunch on Sunday.
My husband joined me and we’ve edited together a little snapshot of what Simonpalooza was and what it meant to the people who attended:
Hopefully this inspires you to reach out and create your own meet-ups. The diabetes online community is amazing and I wouldn’t trade the relationships I’ve developed online for anything (save for a cure, of course!). But there really is something very unique and special about sitting next to these real-live PWDs, hearing the beeps of an insulin pump and shunk of a lancet, seeing someone else nervously glance at their CGM after eating a cupcake, and feeling the warmth of a real hug when you really need one.
Great video, Allison! This made me cry all over again! (Shocking…)
Crying!
wow. fantastic job, allison! and i’m crying again too!
thanks so much for coming, and for putting the video together!
Thank you Allison for making this. The entire experience was so moving. I know many could not be there, but this little video gives them at least a taste of what it was like.
This is outstanding, Allison. Thanks for this… what a great rundown and snapshot to share with the community and world beyond.
Great video, I’m annoyed I didn’t hear about Simonpalloza until it was all over.
The video really shows how much fun it is when a whole load of PWDs get together!
Aw, such a wonderful story! I also didn’t hear until it was over sadly….I would’ve LOVED to have met you all. Hope Simon can do it again sometime…perhaps an even bigger meet up next year? I’d be there in a heartbeat! Thanks for sharing this Allison, looked like a blast!
So wondrous in so many ways! What a great example of the supportive DOC!
Love the video (great camera work, Eric!). Thanks for capturing some of the many wonderful moments when members of the DOC gather. Remember, next meet-up is 2013 in Adelaide!
Sweet, awesome, inspiring!
Add me to the list of people crying while watching the video!! Great job – thank you for letting all of us feel like we were right there in Kansas City with you. And I’m counting down the days until the NYC leg of the Simonpalooza tour!!
So that’s what it was! Sounds fun.
Great video! I can’t believe I was able to come and be a small part of it. This community truly is something special, and we’re a force to be reckoned with. I’m so happy for Simon, and I’m thrilled he was able to come to America! Thanks for the great video and post Allison! It was fantastic meeting you and Eric!
I’m crying! I need more tissue!
Goosebump City!!!!!!!!!
Awesome! I love being a part of this community. I want to hug you all!
beautiful! thanks for taking the time to shoot and edit and share this video!
SUCH a wonderful recap, Allison! Thank you for putting it together!!!!
Yay, too awesome for words
I guess it just goes to show that the DOC is “stronger” than any “one” person. But isn’t it neat how the network of DOC connections can turn into something so amazing? Simon must be famous by now…
Thanks to everyone involved & to Allison for putting the video together so that others can share our joy!
this is cool!
This sounded like SO MUCH FUN, and I’m so sorry I missed it! Simon, I hope to meet you some time myself — maybe you’ll make it back to the States for some diabetes event soon?
[...] this point, I don’t know if I can say anything about this past weekend that hasn’t already been said (better than I ever could). I’ve been asked before why I take so many [...]
So, I changed my plans for Saturday, was ready to go the NYC meetup and then I chickened out. I know most of the people that will be there but I have been absent in the community lately. Now after reading this and watching the video- I am changing my mind again lol and planning to go. Great post! Awesome video!!
[...] not mine to tell. But you should look it up. Google #Simonpalooza and let yourself be guided to blogs, vlogs, YouTube and Twitter to let the story unfold. I will give you the dot point [...]
[...] a year ago in Kansas City, when about two dozen DOC members (myself included!) got together for Simonpalooza (a “tour” by an Australian online diabetes advocate) and one evening answered a survey [...]