Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Benatar.
Hi Diane, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Until I got to know my late husband Morris I had never heard of Crohn’s Disease ot Ulcerative Colitis. Over time I was “forced” to realize what a painful, ugly disease he had. Even before finding out that there is a hereditary componant to Crohn’s Disease I put time and effort to doing what I could to help – in some small way – to find a cure. After our daughter was diagnosed in her senior year of high school, I knew that I needed to double down on my work and determination. I didn’t want any more of my, or anyone else’s, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren to suffer with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The main struggle is just to get people to realize that the diseases are out there and that the struggle is not only real but also so difficult.
As you know, we’re big fans of Greater Southern Home Recreation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the managing member for our small business. We are retailers; we sell home recreation – all the fun big “toys”.
We sell pool tables, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, shuffleboard, arcade games, darts, game room furniture, and so much more! We have items for almost everyone, but our customer service is where we truly shine. Personally, I work with our to-the-trade customers, as well as with our accountants, bankers, lawyers, and the good people at Costco when I buy toilet paper!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson that I have learned on this journey, and on all journeys, is “Here we are now. How do we move forward?” We can’t change what has happened in the past. Blame doesn’t help. Regret doesn’t help. Learn from what has happened and move on.
