So I made a really interesting discovery just a couple days ago. Our ghetto-house is only 4 blocks from the home of Sir Frederick Banting, the doctor who discovered insulin! I know this wouldn’t rate high on most tourist’s list of exciting things to see in London, but for me it was really kind of inspiring, what with insulin keeping me alive and all. Dr. Banting is, of course, deceased, but his home has been turned into a museum of sorts. It was closed today but I hope to go back and check it out some time. I expect it’s not all that exciting. Facts about diabetes and rooms set up to look like they would have a century ago.

 

   

There is a statue of Dr. Banting and the Flame of Hope which is kind of cool. You can’t see the actual flame in the picture because it’s a really windy day. The plaques below were really interesting to me. It feels kind of nice to be acknowledged as a person who has had to live with this disease and to know that there are people out there who are determined to put an end to it.

 

 

If you can’t read the plaques, this is what they say:

Birthplace of Insulin

In 1920 while living and practicing medicine here, Dr. F. G. Banting conceived the idea which eventually led to the discovery of the insulin and the saving of millions of lives worldwide.
This statue, created by sculptor John Miecznikowski, depicts Dr. Banting at the age of 29. It was unveiled on July 7, 1989 by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as a lasting tribute to this great Canadian Medical Scientist and Nobel Laureate.

 

Birthplace of the Flame of Hope

This flame of hope was conceived by his Honor, Judge John M. Seneshen and stands as a symbol for all persons suffering from diabetes around the world. This flame will burn continuously and only be extinguished when it can be declared that a cure for diabetes has been found. Just as Banting’s house is the birthplace of insulin, so Frederick Banting square is the birthplace of the Flame of Hope.