In 2017, Kelly Anderson’s life took a devastating turn with the sudden loss of her daughter. Overcome with grief, she withdrew from the world, struggling with unhealthy eating habits and rapid weight gain.
“I was in a really dark place,” Anderson said. “I was suicidal. I felt worthless. I didn’t think I was good enough to be a parent. I thought I’d failed my family.”
During this time, Anderson, a Dhungatti and Gumbaynggirr woman, visited her doctor after discovering a lump in her breast. Although the lump was benign, the doctor delivered some alarming news. She was diagnosed with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bursitis, chronic pain, and pre-diabetes.
“I was 151 kilos, I was morbidly obese,” Anderson said. “I was really lucky I didn’t have more serious health problems.”
In response to her situation, a counselor from the Marrin Weejali Indigenous health service in Mount Druitt recommended that Anderson join the Too Deadly for Diabetes program, led by exercise physiologist Ray Kelly.
At the time, Anderson could barely walk around her local park without losing her breath. “It took me maybe 30 to 45 minutes to walk around the park, and I had to stop every 10 to 20 meters,” she recalled.
Ray Kelly, who runs the 10-week program, recalls meeting Anderson for the first time. “She could hardly even look me in the eye, she lacked a lot of confidence,” he said.
The Too Deadly for Diabetes program focuses on nutrition, exercise, and practical steps to help participants lower blood glucose levels. It specifically targets Indigenous Australians living with diabetes, and is run across New South Wales and remote regions.
“When people first come to us, there’s a bit of fatalism around their health,” Kelly said. “We show them that they have a lot of control.”
Diabetes Crisis in Western Sydney
Type 2 diabetes is the most common chronic disease in Australia, and one of the biggest health challenges facing Western Sydney. According to NSW Health, one in 10 adults in the region has been diagnosed with the disease, which costs the state around $1.8 billion annually.
Factors such as lifestyle, diet, and cultural influences play a major role in the high rates of diabetes, as does limited access to affordable and healthy food.
“There’s a higher concentration of fast food outlets, and people are unable to get as much physical activity due to the reliance on cars,” said Glen Maberly, director of Western Sydney Diabetes.
A recent federal parliamentary inquiry into diabetes recommended 23 actions to help fight the disease, including efforts to increase community exercise. However, none of the recommendations have been implemented, and no additional funding for research or prevention was included in this year’s federal budget.
“While the measures to reduce the cost of medicines were welcome, not enough is being done to address the alarming rise in diabetes cases,” said Justine Cain, CEO of Diabetes Australia.
A Lifesaving Transformation
For Kelly Anderson, the Too Deadly for Diabetes program provided more than just an exercise plan—it helped her reconnect with her culture and find emotional support. Anderson embraced exercise, especially boxing, which she credits for helping her regain control of her health. Her GP has confirmed that she no longer has type 2 pre-diabetes.
“Losing my daughter was my biggest motivation to turn my life around,” Anderson said. “She doesn’t get to live out the rest of her life, but I have an opportunity to do that.”
Anderson’s journey has been one of remarkable transformation, showing that with the right support, individuals can reclaim their health and future.
Related Topics
