“Approximately 30 years ago, I thought I had menopausal madness (like my mother). I started liking ice cubes to such a degree my husband bought me an ice making fridge and I took ice to work, put cubes in my coffee cup and munched all day. I finally confessed this to my gynecologist who said calmly, is there any diabetes in your family? My answer was “yes my father”. Even so I knew little about the disease as it was treated hush hush. Of course the results were that I had type 2 diabetes and yes, I was overweight and living a sedentary life.

I am a proud member of the International Association of Lions Clubs and during one meeting we had a visit from the Branch Coordinator of Brandon CDA, asking if our Lions Club would do a residential campaign of Canadian Forces Base Shilo, villages of Sprucewood, Douglas and the rural homes in between. I was the only female member of our club and, of course the only member living with diabetes so I was elected to chair the campaign. It was very difficult to get men out canvassing door to door. I came up with the idea of having a 2 hour blitz – come in even if your route wasn’t finished. I canvassed my area the night before the blitz and I made supper for the canvassers when they returned. This worked way better than giving them a book, telling them to canvas within a set period of time. For 15 years – this has worked well for us.

I was then invited to join the Lions Cabinet of District 5M13 (approximately half of Manitoba.) I was appointed Diabetes Awareness Chairperson and have held the position with the exception of the year 1999/2000 when I served as the first female District Governor. My special project was Diabetes and I collected money from the Clubs as I visited them. I oversee the Cavalcade for Diabetes which our District hosts each year – it’s a parade hosted in the town of one of our clubs and the sole purpose is to raise money for Camp Briardale.

I have also the honour of serving as the ManitobaNW Ontario Representative on the Lions/CDA National Liaison Committee. Our purpose is to come up with Fund Raising ideas – this year we are promoting a Tag Day on World Diabetes Day.

I write articles in our Lion Newspaper on Diabetes and what’s going on. I don’t want anyone to be in the dark about the disease as I was. My Dad died after having two toes amputated – I feel his ignorance of the disease was the root cause and I am determined to educate the dickens out of my family and anyone else who will listen. I am now 70 and today my doctor told me she is very happy with my A1C – me too!”