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Jillian Pinkerton
Thinks big picture, influences change, always learning.
Jillian Pinkerton is currently a Learning Partner specializing in Learning Effectiveness at Travelers. She is recognized as a curious learner and a data-driven strategist, focusing on analytics within the Learning and Development team. Her role involves collaborating with business partners to influence and enhance learning initiatives across the organization.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, she actively engages in discussions related to personal experiences, such as health awareness initiatives, which she shares on platforms like LinkedIn.12
Highlights
Thankful that our Wellness Comittee and Indigenous and Allies Diversity Network partnered with the Spokane Riverkeeper today to pick up trash along the Centennial Trail behind our office. Proud to be a #TRVEmployee and have opportunities to serve our community and the beautiful area we live in! Also love any opportunity to spend time with these amazing women.
Today is the start of #DiabetesAwarenessMonth and an opportunity for me to spotlight things about our family and how it’s impacted our lives.
Our youngest, Maya, has a rare genetic syndrome that results in a rare form of diabetes, called monogenic diabetes.
Monogenic Diabetes makes up ~1% of all diabetes cases and includes the following types: MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young), Neonatal, and Syndromic diabetes. Maya was born with Neonatal Diabetes. She has a mutation of the KCNJ11 gene. The KCNJ11 gene contains instructions for making parts of an important protein found in beta cells. Beta cells are cells in the pancreas that make insulin and help to keep blood sugars in a normal range. This important protein is an ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channel that is imbedded on the beta cell membrane. It opens and closes depending on the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Some people think of this like a door that can be opened and closed depending on the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood.
Maya’s specific mutation of her gene has resulted in DEND syndrome (developmental delay, epilepsy, neonatal diabetes), which is a severe form. She is not insulin-dependent and we have quite the regimen of meds which brings on its own challenges. The last 5 years have taught us a lot and we keep learning. She is an incredible soul who continues to strive in her environment.
I do want to note how something like diabetes, let alone all the added extras Maya experiences, doesn’t just affect the individual, it’s a whole family impact. Routines change, nutritional plans change, life plans change. Being a medical parent or medical sibling is HARD. It cannot be described adequately because some things just have to be experienced to be known.
I encourage you this month to educate yourselves on something about diabetes that you didn’t know before, learn how you can be more informed in the event someone around you has a diabetic or epileptic event, or get acquainted with the disabled community in your area. The more people understand, the greater our society can make sure the right supports are in place for all people.
Thankful for the challenging, but full life we live.
Source: University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center https://lnkd.in/giHCjbyY
