“I am a Diabetes Champion because I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of the more than 2.4 million Canadians living each day with this disease (and I am one of them).

Since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes more than 6 years ago, I have experienced first-hand the impacts on my life and the lives of my family members. Watching, and listening to my adult children has opened my eyes to what happens in the lives of the people who are nothing more than supports of my health.

Whether it be though my involvement in advocacy, speaking to various audiences about diabetes, raising funds as a member/participant of the Team Diabetes program or simply having a casual conversation with people — letting them know what things are like, I feel I can spread a positive light on what could be perceived as a negative situation.”