Lucinda McGroarty shares her story about coming to terms with her own diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. Her design practice and drive to understand more about her illness prompted her to create “The 1 Club.” Language, imagery, artifacts and story help build a community to strengthen those living under the stigmas of chronic disease. You are not alone, Every 1 Welcome!

Lucinda McGroarty became interested in the profound impact of storytelling during her studies at the Ryerson School of Interior Design. Shortly after, she entered the Master of Design program at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, where she was then able to put this interest into practice. Her thesis proposed the use of storytelling as a perception-shifting vehicle aimed at solving the ‘type 1 diabetes burnout’ problem faced by many of those who live with this chronic disease, including herself. Lucinda continues to focus her energies on both design and healthcare, as she is engaged in healthcare system reform under the direction of the East Toronto Sub-Region. Alongside this full-time career, she will be returning to Ryerson as a lecturer of design theory.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx