Awakening The Spirit: A Diabetes Documentary
No one should have to fight diabetes alone.
In an effort to increase awareness about managing diabetes, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians collaborated with the American Diabetes Association of Greater San Diego on a project called Awakening the Spirit.
This mini documentary focuses on three Native men in southern California and several others from around Native country who have struggled with diabetes or pre-diabetes and have managed to take control of this disease.
Richard "Shot" Linton (Santa Ysabel) talks about the traditions of health and wellness in his culture, and how returning to these practices can save lives today. James Rodriguez (Mojave) is a recovered alcoholic who lost his kidneys to diabetes but never gave up the fight to get healthier. Bradley Guachino (Pala) is an MMA fighter who was once an overweight teen and now teaches Jiu Jitsu in his community to encourage healthy lifestyles.
Their stories show that it is possible to prevent, manage, and even recover from diabetes and related illnesses.
“The effects of diabetes on our Native communities is most often presented in terms of the statistics and not in the direct impacts on individuals and their loved ones. By working with the Awakening the Spirit program on projects like this short documentary, we are showing the Native people behind th e numbers and their stories of strength and resilience as well as ways to prevent diabetes.”
*All Photos courtesy Albert Renteria Jr., www.thearrc.com
