Kellion Victory Medal
Until 1982, people with diabetes throughout the world who had survived 50 years of diabetes were eligible to receive a Victory Medal and a suitably worded certificate from the Joslin Clinic Foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. However, because of an increasing number of applications, the Joslin Foundation decided to confine its award to people with diabetes living in the United States.
In 1984, Diabetes Australia responded to a proposal by Dr Alan Stocks to recognise and commemorate Australians for having survived with diabetes for 50, 60 and 70 years or more.
In view of his outstanding contribution towards diabetes in Australia, the late Mr Claude Kellion AM was invited to have his name associated with the Scheme, to which he graciously consented.
Mr Kellion had made an outstanding contribution towards diabetes in Australia following the untimely death of his son, John in September 1972. At just 38 years of age, John died as a result of complications of diabetes. His father was dismayed by the lack of research into diabetes and its complications and decided to set up the Kellion Diabetes Foundation. For many years this foundation was the only private source of funding for diabetes research in Australia.
The Kellion Diabetes Foundation has donated well in excess of $1 million towards diabetes research. Before his death, Claude Kellion also established a Chair in Diabetes at the University of Sydney which was filled by Professor John Turtle (it is now occupied by Dennis Yue).The Kellion Victory Medal honours both father Claude and son John, and is a lasting tribute to their name. Diabetes Australia continues to recognise both Claude and John Kellion every year by presenting the Kellion Victory Medal to those who have lived with diabetes for many years.
The 50-year medal is silver, the 60-year medal is gold and the 70-year award is an inscribed silver salver. The award also includes a certificate signed by the Diabetes Australia State or Territory President and CEO.
All Australians who have had diabetes for 50 years or more are eligible for a Kellion award and Diabetes Australia encourages doctors, other health care professionals, and Diabetes Associations and support groups to nominate likely recipients.
People with insulin dependent diabetes and non-insulin dependent diabetes are eligible for nomination, and do not need to be members of Diabetes Australia or a local support group to receive the award.
In addition to the Kellion Victory Medal Scheme is the Kellion Carer's Award. Having diabetes affects and involves the whole family. The carer players a major role in assisting the person with diabetes to live a satisfying lifestyle. The Carer's Award recognises many years of love, dedication and support.
An application form for both Victory Medals and Carer’s Awards must be completed in full and submitted to the Diabetes Australia State/Territory branch for processing together with substantiating information. Substantiating information is not always easy to obtain and proposers are asked to assist by providing copies of records such as date of diagnosis or initial hospital admission where possible.
For further information please contact the Kellion Victory Medal Officer in your local Diabetes Australia office.
