Archive for the 'Blog' Category

“Bare Foot In New York City”

Published on May 31, 2008 in Blog. 1 Comment

Hi Everyone!  Sorry it has been a while since I’ve wrote to all of you, I’ve been very busy and hey if you guys think it’s easy to keep with up the Rockin’ Doc’  (Dr. Fallon) I can tell you it’s NOT!  At least not in New York City, we recently went to NY City to attend the DREAMS IN THE CITY for the Diabetes Research Institute.  It was a wonderful evening for all who attended.  Oh and it was my very time ever going to NY City, so I am sure you could only imagine my excitement!

What I learned on my very first trip:  Never wear “High Heels” to NY City, and I mean never!  The train ride to NY was very exciting as I was wondering if it would be like what I had seen on TV?  It was, as we arrived at Penn Station and exited the train there were people everywhere, this is where the fun begins.  As we approached the street level is when the heal on my right shoe decided to break, it was loose.  As my mind started to race around…I thought oh no, this did not just happen!  I thought well Kitty your going to get through this night just fine.

The evening was spectacular as I was so excited for Dr. Fallon to finally get to meet so many wonderful people who flew up from The Diabetes Research Institute in Miami to attend the event.   The event brought in One Million dollars to fund a cure!  For more information on this event and to view photos click here !

I would like to know why is it that a man will not stop and ask for directions???  Women we have all been there!  Yes, as we left the event.  I had no choice except to take off my high heels to keep from breaking my ankle,  there we were me and the Rockin’ Doc’ leaving NY City with me walking bare stocking feet!  As we approached the train station to head back home, it dawned on me that Dr. Fallon was heading towards the wrong train…as I gently asked him if this was right he kept going, so I followed.  Oh this is the wonderful part.  We board the train, I closely watch Dr. Fallon’s expression as he was not saying a word.  We take our seat and as the train starts to pull away….I leaned over and asked…Dr., are we on the right train?  He responded with a look of wonder, as he replied,  Kitty I’m not sure, but I don’t think so!  Yes, we were on the wrong train heading the wrong way!!!!  We had to loop back to Penn Station to get the right train home!

I had such a wonderful time in NY City and am looking forward to going back.  Yes, I  already have one of many trips planned.  I am already making plans with Robert A. Pearlman, to meet in NY City.   Robert A. Pearlman is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF).  Click here to read more about Robert A. Pearlman

Photo Above:  Mr. Robert A. Pearlman & Kitty Castellini 

 

 

A Prayer For Hillary

Published on April 27, 2008 in Blog. 1 Comment

This morning I went to a breakfast to help support a young 10 year old young child that is need of a bone marrow transplant. Hillary has a rare childhood cancer called Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. It was a pleasure to meet this young lady this morning, as we talked she shared with me that she goes to Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia (CHOP) sometimes weekly. I shared with her that as a child I to had spent time at CHOP and assured her that she was in good hands. As her loving Grand~Father Pete looked over her shoulder’s she shared with me that she is brave! Her olive skin, beautiful brown eye’s and hair just seemed to glow, her beautiful smile was beautiful. You could see her dreams in her eyes. I gave her a hug and shared with her that I was a transplant patient and would continue to keep her in my Prayer’s.

Life’s Wonders

Published on April 2, 2008 in Blog. 1 Comment

The things we see before our eyes can truly stimulate ones brain to think. Last night Dr. Fallon and I did a “live broadcast” from the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia, PA. It was amazing to see where medicine has come from, where it is today and what is ahead for those in the Medical field.

We had the opportunity to take a private tour with The Camden County Medical Society. It was such an honor to be with this group of wonderful Physicians. I quietly observed each exhibit, not straying to far from my trusting Dr. He would have been the one that I would have turned to had I wanted to understand something better.

Things were going well; my eyes would become enlarged as I would slowly look at what is front of them. Phil Cinelli would comment on the different exhibits to me as he to was amazed. Yes, we saw the Worlds largest colon, Siamese twins, the Worlds smallest brain among many things.

As the tour guide made her way through the tour we came upon The Soap Lady. Now let me tell you that was the most horrific thing that I had ever seen in my entire life. I watched Dr. Fallon & Phil look inside the glass tomb. I slowly approached the tomb…I saw her feet, my stomach starting to turn, my body became flushed. I was in total disbelief what was lying there. I was determined to look, as I wanted to see just how far medicine has come, what they can learn from this specimen. As I slowly looked at her entire body, it became very clear to me that I soon would be getting sick, I slowly walked away from her and the entire group. Breathe, I would tell myself…just breathe Kitty.

I give to you: The Soap Lady:

(Photo property of www.roadsideamerica.com)

Back Home Again

Published on March 3, 2008 in Blog. 0 Comments

Hi Everyone! I am home from Miami. What an exciting time that I had. Many of you have read my writings in the past. Today again I shall shed my soul to help others to understand. Diabetes…we have heard of it, some of us live with it. I have been “cured” from it! “We need a cure now, Insulin is not a cure!

As I walked through those doors at The Diabetes Research Institute at The University of Miami it was like going home! The DRI is truly family! Work is being done there around the clock to find a cure. I was so excited to see everyone! However inside my heart shed a tear. Again I was walking through those doors for all of you, to be your voice! I wanted to scream out loud that I want all diabetics to be able to experience what I am…. CURED! It is coming, it will come from the DRI. Someday I hope for Dr. Fallon to walk through those doors at the DRI. I know he will someday!

I was greeted by Gary Kleiman, the executive director. I have to tell you the first time we met was like seeing an old friend. Our day was delayed due to a major power outage that put most of Florida out. We went out to grab a bite to eat and catch up on the past year! Gary is also a type one diabetic, he has had two kidney transplants, one of the first at the DRI to receive islet cells. Like myself Gary suffers from diabetic eye disease. I fell in love with his computer monitor. That is just what I myself need. I am sure it will make a big difference. I truly admire Gary’s determination and wonderful spirit. We share a bond of diabetes and it’s complications, both of us are immounosuppressed. Our main bond is the fact that we both engage the fight for life, determined to outlive our destiny … now to help others to understand. Gary is also the author of; “No Time To Lose.”

Photo Above: Research Scientist Dr. Cherie Stabler, DRI Executive Director Gary Kleiman & Kitty

Photo Above:  Islet Cells, yes taken with my own camera! 

Photo Above:  The Ricordi Chamber 

Photo Above:  Mouse Model (no harm is done to testing models)

Photo Above:  Stem Cells 

We had a wonderful broadcast live from Miami that evening with Dr. Fallon in the Vineland Studio. Joining him was Dr. Nasser I. Youssef, Transplant Surgeon from Our Lady of Lourdes Health System in Camden, NJ. Joining us in Miami live from the DRI, Dr. Cherie Stabler, Dr. Tatiana Froud and “World Class” Research Scientist Dr. Camillo Ricordi.

Photo Above: Dr. Camillo Ricordi, Kitty, Dr. Cherie Stabler and Dr. Tatiana Froud

After the broadcast Dr. Ricordi and I shared a Reese’s! It was such a pleasure to have all of them as guest on Diabetes Living Today and to spend time with Dr. Ricordi again. I look forward to going back home!

Photo Above: Kitty, the “Cured” type 1 diabetic with “World Class” Research Scientist & “Friend” Dr. Ricordi

A big Thank You to my family at the DRI. Keep working towards the Cure.

Insulin Is Not a Cure! Luv, kitty

Sunshine On My Shoulders

Published on February 26, 2008 in Blog. 0 Comments

So I want everyone to know that I had a great flight down to Miami, it is 90 here today, a big change from my home in NJ. I spent lastnight with my dear daughter touring this beautiful place. I am getting ready to head over to the DRI where I will spend the day with Executive Director Gary Kleiman. He will take me back into the labs today, It is something to see, yes I am looking forward to holding and seeing those islet cells again! Yes, I have my camera ready. I am also looking forward to seeing all of the Research Scientist, I’ve packed Reese’s Cup for all of them!!! I am just so excited about tonight to interview Dr. Camillo Ricordi, but mostly to see him again! He is an awesome down to earth man! I wish Dr. Fallon was here with me, I keep telling him that he is going to have to take a visit down here. Time is moving on and with that I must to get moving. I hope all of you listen tonight.

Big Hugs, kitty

Leaving, On A Jet Plane

Published on February 24, 2008 in Blog. 2 Comments

Hello World,

I’d like to welcome you to Diabetes Living Today’s first blog. I am so very excited for tomorrow as I will be boarding a plane that will take me to The Diabetes Research Institute at The University of Miami to interview Dr. Camillo Ricordi for the second time within the year. I have packed my bags and the limo is around the bend. This is a place that is working non-stop, around the clock to find a cure for Diabetes. I will be there again this week…. I call it going home! I invite you to join me this week as I update “live” reports from the DRI.

hugs, kitty