We talk to the Stindl family about their family’s decision to honour Steven with an In Memory tribute.

What is your connection to diabetes? 

I live with type 1 diabetes and have since June 1992.

This year marks 30 years and dad was particularly looking forward to celebrating this milestone with me. He shared with me in my adult years that when I was diagnosed he felt helpless and saw my life as one that hangs in the balance. Regardless, both my parents worked tirelessly at making sure my health and wellbeing was a priority whilst raising three children under three years of age.

Please describe your dad, and how special he was to you and your family 

Our dad was a “Super dad”. He was humble, kind and generous to one and all. He loved his family very much and no task was too much when it came to providing anything his girls needed. From assisting our dance school by making props and fronting up every week, to running the Bunnings store BBQ to fundraise for diabetes. Dad was happy helping us as adults, to move house several times or assemble a piece of Ikea furniture. His grandsons were an extension of that love and he spent time teaching them to play cricket and guitar. Dad was very creative and used his is artistic talents to paint, or build, “one off” furniture and garden structures.

He was very proud of his Austrian heritage and communicated regularly with overseas relatives. He was a very fit healthy individual who swam and attended the gym on a regular basis. Dad also assisted the local community by volunteering at our church and donating blood monthly. This extended to him agreeing to become an organ donor in the last year.

Why was it important for you to honour some of his last wishes – to give to diabetes?

Our family’s passion for creating a better life for me led to an ongoing affiliation with JDRF and Diabetes Australia. Rallying family and friends to participate yearly in the walk for a cure to raise funds for ongoing research, personalising team t-shirts and banners with “Elyse’s Team” on them. These were sponsored by Steve’s business. This support extended into my adult years of rallying and fundraising for Diabetes Australia.

How did it feel seeing the support from so many through giving donations?

The outpour of love was reflected through the amount of flowers delivered during our hospital stay. We were overwhelmed and knew immediately that Steven would have preferred the funds redirected to a worthy cause close to his heart. Our family were deeply humbled by people’s generosity. It gave those impacted by COVID-19 and overseas relatives an opportunity to feel connected to us and Steven in a meaningful way.

What is your biggest hope regarding the money raised – to have your dad’s memory honoured? 

Our hope is that the funds go directly to research in finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Fittingly, an opportunity also arose for Steven’s pancreas to be the first donation in a new diabetes research project which had significant meaning (in relation to type 1 diabetes).

How did you get the word out to help people find out how to donate?

Our family chose a favourite photo and posted a link on Facebook, instagram and other social media outlets. Those without social media were privately text or emailed.

If someone was considering an in-memory page/campaign for their loved one, what would you say?

Experiencing grief, trauma or loss of a loved one is never easy. This “in memory campaign” seemed a natural extension of honoring his wishes for organ donation. This felt right and was a small pocket of light in those dark days. It was also a meaningful distraction in organising and sharing with others.

Diabetes Australia sincerely thanks Elyse and her family for choosing this way to honour Steven. Thanks to their fundraising efforts, vital funds have been raised for the diabetes community. Together with the Stindls, we share Steven’s hopes for his daughter. ‘In memorium’ gifts help provide life-changing services to people living with diabetes including advocacy, education, and counselling support. They also allow for the investment in world class research into better diabetes treatments and a possible future cure. To learn more about the in-memory program please visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/giving-in-memory. Our team will support you with care and understanding.