General News
1 September, 2026
Honour wall marks ‘a full life’
A CAIRNS woman diagnosed with diabetes more than 60 years ago will be included on a new honour wall to celebrate those living with the disease long term.
Pamela McKay, 66, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was just five years old.
Back then, far less was known about treating the disease and she recalled spending months in hospital every year, falling into multiple diabetic comas and facing mental health struggles.
The disability pensioner said she wanted to share her story to highlight the significant challenges of living with the disease but also show that you can live a full life.
Ms McKay’s colourful career included stints working in the diving industry, as an early childhood teacher, a chef and running a successful small sandwich business in the Cairns CBD.
“I had to prove to myself that I could do anything and that diabetes wouldn’t stop me,” she said.
This year’s diabetes’ theme ‘Living out loud’ encourages those with diabetes to speak out about the impacts of their diagnoses.
As part of that theme Cairns Diabetes Centre is calling for local recipients of the Kellion Victory Medal, which recognises those who have lived with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for 50 years or more, to form part of the ‘Kellion Honour Wall’ being launched later this year.
