I wanted to introduce myself, my name is Crystal Allison. I am the new co-lead for the ADCES inpatient COI. Is it ironic that I turn 50 this year and it is the 50th anniversary of ADCES? So, I thought I would write a blog post on the ways that I am celebrating my 50th. One word- Vacations! 3 trips to Florida, 1 trip to Jamaica, and an Alaskan cruise. Yes, I will be broke by the time I turn 50 in December but what fun it will be. Am I having a midlife crisis? Yes! I feel the need to travel and get it all in before I turn 50. Also, I wanted to get my Master’s before I turned 50 and accomplished that during the pandemic!
Professionally, I have been a nurse for 27 years working at the same hospital (yes, that is why I have been able to save up that much vacation time). I have worked inpatient- med/surg, trauma, and same day surgery (where I stayed very part time for 15 years after my son was diagnosed with TCHD). However, 6 years ago, I found a passion for diabetes care that I did not know existed. I had the opportunity to become the part-time diabetes care specialist at our 250-bed, rural hospital with no inpatient endo support until a few months ago - we can now consult outpatient endo office - can you say Halleluiah! Yes, part-time was impossible. I have been working full-time for the last 3 years. I wish I could clone myself every day. As I am sure that all of you feel the same!
At present, besides inpatient projects, my passion is starting a type 1 diabetes support group for school age children from elementary to high school and parents. The support group is scheduled to meet the third Thursday of every month.
Personally, I love to read, craft, garden, go to wineries, and be outside. I have been married for 27 years. I have a son who is 17 and a junior in high school. A 21-year-old daughter who just got married to her high school sweetheart and got her first “real” job as an OTA.
In answer to the question in the title of the blog, my midlife crisis has started at 49! I am going to have a fun year and would love for you to be included in my midlife crisis. So, I hope to see all of you in August at Houston to celebrate 50 years of ADCES!