Kimberly Chisholm
Kimberly Ford Chisholm at a Juvinile Diabetes Research Foundation Event.
Profile By: Hannah Hansen “Wait, so it will be like I’m a Kardashian?!” A huge smile spread across her face, exposing a satisfied look of excitement. We no longer had to worry about invasion of privacy or finding a willing candidate: Kimberly Chisholm was willing and ready for the challenge. With an iced tea in one hand and a peach in the other, Kimberly nodded her head, exposing the streaks of pink in her otherwise blonde hair. Between bites she explored angles with excitement: A 43 year old woman contemplating Botox, what it’s like having a teenager with Type I Diabetes, a hopeless writer finding time to thrive at her computer, and life as a typical mom of three. Milling over the ideas we began to photograph her artsy space. Kimberly laughed, “ I have to warn you, I’m the most un-photogenic person alive...” Scanning the walls of realist art, we begin to crawl throughout the room, stepping over soccer balls, picture books, and a lonely guitar. Crouched on the floor photographing a pair of old roller skates, my face froze in place as the door swung open to reveal a teenage boy, muddy and sweaty from soccer, and a husband perplexed at the two strangers photographing his home. Without hesitation Kimberly glances in our direction, “ Oh this is Hannah and Nikki, they’re doing a documentary on me. We’re going to be reality TV stars!”
Beyond Kimberly’s fun and enthusiastic persona lies a deeper purpose and meaning. Kimberly understands all too well the story of the approximately three million Americans who have Type I Diabetes and the roughly 80 people per day who are diagnosed with the chronic illness (JDRF). Kimberly Chisholm’s son is one of the three million who have to live with this medical issue, and Kimberly is one of the many parents who have to assist in the complete lifestyle change it requires. Expanding her role from
with endocrinologists and suggest channels for further research and hope. As a writer she relates to the constant unfinished project of passion and the soothing nature of expressing your emotions through language. Kimberly stands as more than just a friend, but is a woman who embodies the strength and talent in a new age of mothers. She stands as a glimmer of spunky and positive hope that mothers struggling through their own individual trials can look towards for inspiration. Her constant juggle of roles
mother, to nutritionist, to research expert, to mother of a teenager. Kimberly has effortlessly molded into the countless roles that have fallen upon her. Experiencing such a change caused Kimberly to emerge as a much more refined individual and mother. As a mother, Kimberly can relate to the countless carpools, sports practices, and the undying struggle to have family dinner together every night. But as the VP of Research for JDRF, Kimberly can discuss the most pressing issues
does not define her, but yet attempt to describe her amazing talent and drive. Growing up in the small and privileged city of Atherton, Kimberly Chisholm was the girl that had it all. Born into a loving family with the world as her oyster. With an extensive repertoire of schools on her resume, including; Dartmouth College, University of Pennsylvania, and UC Berkeley she seemed on the fast track to success. By the time she met Bill, the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome,
and handsome, and her future husband; her three adorable children only added bliss and happiness to her life. As a writer she had received recognition as both a novelist and columnist. Yet Kimberly still felt uneasy about her perfect life, “I had this sense that something terrible was going to happen and I think part of it was that nothing terrible ever had and then suddenly the other shoe did fall...”(Chisholm). On November 30, 2009 Kimberly’s son, Will, was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. In addition to his diagnosis her husband had to have heart surgery, Kimberly herself had a heightened medical issue, and her mother had a growth that was considered to be cancerous. Throughout these times Kimberly stayed as a strong constant in her children’s’ lives. In the process of coping with Will’s diagnosis, Kimberly found out about JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She became actively involved in the organization, which she referred to as her “lifeline,” by taking on roles as both VP of the Spring Fling fundraiser and VP of research for the greater Bay Area chapter. Kimberly also writes a weekly blog for JDRF and shares her challenges as a mother of a child with Type I. Kimberly reflects fondly on the organization she is so strongly involved in: “The moment that someone is diagnosed they become a part of a community, we call it the best club you never wanted to belong to. You’re part of a community where the day-to-day issues are similar for everyone…”(Chisholm). Kimberly’s life has not slowed down, but instead sped up with Will entering high school, presenting a whole new myriad of concerns and issues. Like any parent Kimberly wants to let Will have independence, but is equally concerned with Will’s health
equally concerned with Will’s health and wellbeing. Her struggle to find the medium between all the facets of her life continues, yet Kimberly does a magnificent job in performing the balancing act flawlessly. It was November 30th, 2009 and Kimberly had just driven her son, Will to their family pediatrician because Will had been urinating excessively and feeling a little off. Sitting in the white walled and almost suffocating room, Kimberly and Will were unsure of what it meant when the doctor informed them there was sugar in the urine. What did sugar in the urine mean? Kimberly recounts Will’s eyes widening as he looked at her, questioning what the extra sugar could mean. When the doctor further explained Will had Type I Diabetes, Kimberly remembers a complete moment of disbelief. Will’s eyes seem to draw him back to that very doctors room
as he tells the story of his diagnosis. Will remembers, “ It was just devastating.” Will and Kimberly’s life would forever be changed in that moment. Kimberly’s role became much more active and her struggles much more tangible, “When you leave the hospital with a newborn baby there are lot of questions in mind but you sort of have this sense that you’ll be able to do most of it pretty well. But When you leave the hospital with a kid who has Type I Diabetes you’re essentially having to function as that kids pancreas…”(Chisholm). Type I is a life-threatening disease that her son now had to deal with (Washington Times). If matters couldn’t get worse, the pediatrician told Will he would never be able to have candy again, a fact that is really a myth of Type I Diabetes. Imagining a world without candy, Will’s face dropped
questioning if he could really live without sugar, while simultaneously Kimberly’s brain spun with what she needed to do mold to the situation. Her son was suffering from an illness, which virtually starved his body of essential and needed energy (Basile). The moment she got home she ordered a giant endocrinology book that she would later study and absorb for the sake of her son. Kimberly’s life was forever changed within the bland walls of the doctor’s office, but because of her nature her life was merely changed, not controlled. Kimberly has always had an aspiration for her life: let the sky be the limit. Oh cliché you say? But how can that phrase be cliché when Kimberly takes on new roles with new vigor and excitement each day? Kimberly jumps in head first in every aspect of her life. She never backs down and always succeeds in
her ventures. Kimberly isn’t perfect, and I’m sure she has her flaws, but she’s human. We all have flaws, but what makes a person remarkable is when they use their flaws to their advantage and use them to build their strengths. It’s hard to imagine Kimberly accomplishing more than she has already managed to conquer, but nonetheless Kimberly has plans that involve every aspect of her life. She hopes for the success of her children and has the hope they will find joy and happiness in doing what they love and being who they are every day. She looks to the future with hopes of continuing to improve the conditions with those with Type I, and eventually a cure for Type I diabetes. She holds the ideal to continue to write and read and express herself through literature. And she hopes to continue to learn, grow and thrive each day. Kimberly does not need help making goals and aspirations; she doesn’t need help accomplishing them either. But what she does need is the constant support and love of her family and the knowledge that she is making a difference.