Kelly Anderson’s transformation from hopelessness to hope is a perfect example of the difference Too Deadly for Diabetes has made. Anderson is the former sufferer of type 2 pre-diabetes and morbid obesity. Then in 2017 she went through a personal tragedy that rocked her to the core when she lost her daughter, forcing a dramatic pivot in her life. Now today, she is a symbol of strength and of the success that focused health programs can have in making a difference to people’s lives across Western Sydney.
At 151 kilos, Anderson had obstacles to overcome. Everyday tasks turned into tough challenges. Simply walking around her local park turned into an obstacle. In practice, it would then take her 30 to 45 minutes to complete, as she would have to pause every 10 to 20 meters to regain her breath. Yet, this very tangible struggle to get by began to take a toll on her physical health and carried with it an emotional burden as well.
Struggling to cope, Anderson contacted a counselor from the Indigenous health service Marrin Weejali. The counselor suggested that she reach out to Ray Kelly, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander exercise physiologist who runs the Too Deadly for Diabetes program nationally. This program emphasizes the importance of nutrition, physical activity and other practical ways to maintain blood glucose levels within range.
A New Beginning Through Exercise
Yet programs like Ray Kelly’s are making a powerful, forward-looking impact in communities like Blacktown. Here, the rates of diabetes are twice that of wealthier areas like Mosman. One in ten adults in Western Sydney have been diagnosed with diabetes. Efforts such as Too Deadly for Diabetes are truly essential in addressing this severe epidemic.
Fortunately, Anderson’s first steps into the program were world changing. Along the way, she found a love for working out. Boxing did more than strengthen her physical ability—it offered Andrea a powerful outlet for her emotional battlefield. It was the program’s focus on community encouragement and actionable strategies that helped her feel equipped to make positive changes in her health.
During her time in the program, Anderson experienced remarkable transformations. Her MD was amazed to discover that she no longer had type 2 pre-diabetes. For Meadow, this milestone represented a complete turnaround in her overall health. With the support of increased physical activity and nutritious meal planning, she was able to lose 75 pounds and feel like herself again.
The Broader Impact of Diabetes
The implications of diabetes stretch far beyond personal hardships. NSW Health estimates that diabetes costs the state about $1.8 billion a year, underlining the need for powerful interventions. Type 2 diabetes is one of the most urgent health issues facing Australia today. This problem is most acute in rapidly growing areas such as Western Sydney.
Public health initiatives such as Too Deadly for Diabetes work to not only lower individual risk. They reduce healthcare costs associated with treating chronic diseases. These programs are largely preventative and involve behavioral modification. From their homes to the workplace, they’re focused on making diabetes more affordable and manageable for people with diabetes and our healthcare system.
