Remarks by Consul General Rubinstein at Augusta Victoria Hospital’s Diabetes Day

November 18, 2011

Dr. Tawfiq Nasser, distinguished guests, and, most importantly, children:  I am honored to be here with you today to celebrate this fun day of learning at Augusta Victoria Hospital, one of East Jerusalem’s most well-known and prestigious hospitals.  I hear we have friends from Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Al Eizariya, Abu Dis, and Jerusalem here with us today.  I’m also glad to see so many parents in the audience; their support and encouragement is so very important.  Today, we will learn about diabetes and how best to manage it so that each one of you can enjoy a healthy and productive life.  I am proud that the U.S. Department of State is sponsoring this important program.  

In addition to today’s Diabetes Awareness event, the United States Government has worked closely with Augusta Victoria Hospital through the years in numerous fields.  U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs have supported the Hospital’s intensive care unit, village health outreach activities, and procurement of vital equipment for dialysis, radiation, and mammography.  This assistance has helped Augusta Victoria Hospital provide quality care for complicated treatments, allowing patients to receive treatment here instead of traveling to Egypt, Jordan, or Israel.  Recently, the U.S. Consulate community planted trees and flowers here.  This project will be integrated into the hospital’s outdoor cancer treatment garden.  I am proud of what we have achieved together.

Living with diabetes is not easy; I highly recognize the bravery that each and every one of you demonstrates in facing these challenges.  The good news is that managing diabetes is possible; and, thanks to the good people here at Augusta Victoria Hospital, you will learn more about how to do that today through exercise, a good diet, and monitoring your blood sugar.  

I know that it can be hard to be a little different from your friends.  It’s important to remember that you can live a normal life like them; you can do well in school, get married, have children, and realize your dreams of becoming a teacher, athlete, or doctor.  You can control your diabetes.  Your family, your health care team, and other children with diabetes can all help you learn how to do all the things you want to do.  You have a bright future.  

Thank you.