Welcome to Weight Loss Diet - Information on Weight loss support group for kids in port huron

Friends 18 to 29

CARLA MONTEREY, 22, has type 1 diabetes and is a college student working part-time. She would like to get to know people her age or older with any type of diabetes. Her interests include piano, singing, pop music, Irish Celtic art, Egyptology, King Arthur, X-Files, and travel. She will answer all letters, but no chain letters, friendship books, or inmates please (10228-184th Ave., N.E., Redmond, WA 98052; e-mail: carmonty@aol.com).

BETSY MARLER, 26, has had type 1 diabetes for 18 years. Her hemoglobin A1c has improved since she went on the insulin pump in December 1998. She helps biweekly with a teenage diabetes support group and participates in the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Walk every year. She enjoys dancing, the outdoors, animals, and children. She will answer all letters, but no inmates please (2514 O'Neil Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001).

GRACE APAS, 25, has had type 1 diabetes since the age of 15. She is a workaholic, enjoys going out with friends, music, and pen pals. She is having a hard time controlling her blood sugar and diet. She would like to hear from all ages, with or without disabilities. No inmates please (Whiterose, Yati, Lilo-an, Cebu 6002, Philippines).

JULIE WOLFE, 26, a single mother of two, has a 4-year-old son, DASHAWN, who has type 1 diabetes. She would like support and advice on dealing with the responsibilities of diabetes as a single parent and how to maintain good control of blood glucose readings. Dashawn likes playing with Lego and Power Rangers and would like to hear from other kids with diabetes (1741 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY 13204).

PENNEY DODDS, 28, has had diabetes for almost two years and takes two shots of insulin a day. She has a hard time maintaining control of her blood sugar and sticking to her diet, and at times she feels depressed. She enjoys reading, poetry, gardening, walking, and the Internet. She would like to hear from people all over the world of any age. No inmates please (804 Fannin St., #908, Houston, TX 77002-6416; e-mail: nickel_and_dime@usa.net).

MARY FREEMAN, 28, has had type 1 brittle diabetes for 18 years. She enjoys country music, concerts, movies, eating out, going to the mall with friends, and the Adult Diabetes Support Group. No inmates please (1016 Charles, Apt. 2, LaCrosse, WI 54603).

Friendly 30s and 40s

JAMES VAN WINKLE, 32, has had type 2 diabetes since 1992 and controls it with Glucophage. His sugars are very high (400s). He would like support with diet and exercise. He enjoys collecting Heisey Glass, walking, and making new friends (P.O. Box 584, Newark, OH 43058-0584).

MICHELLE FABRO, 32, is the mother of a 23-month-old who has had diabetes for one year. She would like to hear from parents who have a young child with diabetes. She would especially like helpful tips and ideas for snack time (41 School Street, Ashville, OH 43103).

CATHY BLANKENSHIP, 33, has had type 2 diabetes since August 1990 and takes Humulin 70/30. Her hobbies include reading, writing letters, angels, and movies. She would like to hear from people of all ages who have different interests, all over the world. She will answer all letters (415 Forest St., Martinsville, VA 24112).

KATHLEEN BAUER, 34, has had diabetes for 25 years. She has been on the insulin pump for 14 years. She is single and would like to hear from other diabetics (4285 Lapeer Rd., Port Huron, MI 48060-2469; e-mail: kathymmtb@yahoo.com).

ELLEN LANKFORD, 36, has diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and heart failure. She's married, has no children, but two very spoiled dogs. She loves dogs and collecting Tweety Bird memorabilia. She needs to lose weight and would especially like to hear from others with fibromyalgia or her other health problems, but will answer all letters. No inmates please (1521 Grand Ave., Oroville, CA 95965).

BONNIE SULLIVAN, 37, has had type 2 diabetes for 12 years. She is struggling with weight loss and high and low blood sugars. She's married, loves animals, and word-search puzzles. She's seeking the support of others and will answer all letters (9 Chapman St., Hartford, CT 06114).

Friends Over 50

ELLEN HOLZMAN, 54, has had type 2 diabetes for three years, as well as depression and bipolar disorder. She'd like to hear how others deal with weight management and stress, and asks if anyone has lost their hair due to diabetes. Her interests include reading, gardening, learning the Internet, attending movies and lectures, and arts and crafts (P.O. Box 551, Watertown, MA 02471-0551).

WILLIAM HARRISON, 57, a librarian, has had type 2 diabetes since summer 1993. He controls his diabetes through diet, exercise, insulin, and oral medications, but has had a problem with a foot ulcer. He's divorced, has one grown daughter, and enjoys architecture, classical music, gardening, and photography. He's interested in creating a "round robin" on diabetes research, and would especially like to hear from those interested in the healing of foot ulcers. No inmates please (1212 22nd St., Manistee, MI 49660-2311).

G. SOLI, 63, has had type 1 diabetes for 53 years. In that time, he has incurred over 48,000 insulin injections of 40 IU for a diet of 3,000 to 3,500 calories. A retired health professional, he has maintained over 50 years of normal blood pressures, circulation, and normal median blood panels, except for variable blood sugars (e-mail: www.gbsoli@hotmail.com).

JIM FISCHER, 63, has had type 2 diabetes for six years. He used to control it with oral medication, but now is able to control it through diet. He would like to receive recipes of easy-to-cook diabetic meals, various kinds of seeds, and letters from anyone. He is single, enjoys country living, reading, music, gardening, and animal companions (P.O. Box 97, Iron, MN 55751).

MARLENE BORCHER, 64, discovered she had type 2 diabetes following chemotherapy. She has a husband with type 2 diabetes, and she works in the home health field. She is seeking support to help her accept diabetes and with weight loss. Her interests include cats, painting, reading, and camping (450 S. Day St., Powell, WY 82435-2916).

DON ASH, 66, has had type 2 diabetes for 36 years with no complications. He'd like to hear from others in the Wichita area but will answer all (937 S. Main, Apt. 4, Wichita, KS 67213-5417).

BETTY POHLMAN, 67, has type 2 diabetes and also Addison's disease. She had a heart attack in 1997. She would like to hear from others who have Addison's disease and diabetes (307 N. Main, Deerfield, WI 53531).

Neither Forecast nor the American Diabetes Association can take responsibility for the character of number of responses you receive. Letters ate published in the order in which they are received. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length and appropriateness. Please emphasize the type of support you need in terms of diabetes care. You may also include a brief mention of your hobbies and interests. Write: Making Friends, ADA, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311. This column is for the exclusive use of our readers. The names may not be used for marketing of advertising. ADA will take action against all parties violating this standard.