I am a Diabetes Champion because my daughter Julia has been living with type 1 diabetes for 20 years. I have been a JDRF volunteer and now chair for 20 years. We are committed to funding a cure and improving quality of life for type 1 diabetics.

I am a Diabetes Champion because I believe in the work of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and their dedication to finding a cure for diabetes and its complications.

I am a Diabetes Champion because I get to work with the passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers at JDRF; working towards finding a cure for diabetes and its complications.

I have many people in my life with Diabetes. 25 years ago I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and was told with the family history I have, there is a good chance that I would be an Insulin Dependant Diabetic in 10 years.

I am still not Diabetic and more in my family have become Diabetic since. I am very aware of the issues surrounding Diabetes as there are several family members, aunts, uncles, sisters, brother, nephew at various stages of Diabetes. As well as my husband was diagnosed over a year ago with Diabetes.

I feel with the warning I was given 25 years ago helped as I try to be cautious of how and what I eat as well as exercise somewhat. I do eat things I know I shouldn’t, but in small quantities. I try to walk or run at least 3 times a week. I am not overboard with the eating or exercising, but aware of what could happen if I wasn’t aware or understood.

I look Diabetes in the mirror or in a family member every single day. It really never leaves my mind. As well, my son is aware of the history and tries to be careful of what he eats and lives a healthy lifestyle.

There is a myth that Diabetes only hits every other generation. My family is living proff of this. WE have 4 generations so far and I would love nothing more than to see DIABETES CRUSHED FOR GOOD.

“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.”

“I am a Diabetes Champion because…

I believe that to conquer this disease we must win the battles within ourselves first. I tell myself that diabetes is only a part of me and that the whole of “me” is what really matters. I win my battles by setting goals to reach, putting a plan together and executing it to the best of my ability. Once I have learned something new about “me and Diabetes”, I go on to the next thing. It only ends when we have won.”

“Henry, my Brother, living with diabetes for 20 years, was my supporter in Rome 2006 at the Team Diabetes marathon, aka King Henry. Henry did participate in Kelowna 2008 and has signed up for Ottawa May 2010. Henry is busy raising awareness for World Diabetes Day at the senior Lodge, for the staff, where he volunteers. He received a letter from the Mayor of Guelph, offering greetings to Diabetes Champions, Volunteers and Donors, which he will read out. The Mayor acknowledges also the Association for their continued work for people with diabetes. There will be fundraising for the Canadian Diabetes Association, at the Lodge’s Fair. Henry is involved with his church. Gertrude, Henry’s wife is legally blind and requires help from him 24/7. He is my Hero, my Diabetes Champion.”

We are Diabetes Champions for many reasons:
….for our family members who have, or have had diabetes
…for the kids at Camp Banting who so bravely take on the challenge of living with type 1 diabetes
…for our many friends who live with type 1 diabetes
…for our many friends who live with type 2 diabetes
…for all the people we know who have lost loved ones TOO EARLY due to this disease
…for a brighter future without diabetes

Sue Schaefer is a Diabetes Nurse Educator working with the Aboriginal Health Team for the Vancouver Island Health Authority. During her “free time”, her alter ego is Mrs. Pudding – an eccentric, grandmotherly woman who loves to eat, hates to exercise and is initially shocked to learn she has diabetes. Mrs. Pudding doesn’t think it’s fair she has diabetes but gradually learns she has the skills and power to control her illness and improve her health. Sue Schaefer has performed Mrs. Pudding skits in over 50 cities across western Canada. The character has proven particularly effective in First Nations communities, where diabetes rates are high and story telling is a respected teaching tool. Mrs. Pudding makes everyone laugh as she drives home the HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living) message. She has recently developed a new skit called “positively stressing out” which helps people with diabetes learn to deal with all the stresses we all face in addition to the ones particular to diabetes. Mrs. Pudding gives the audience a positive way to live with diabetes. Sue is a generous and skilled teacher who is passionate about her message. We are blessed to have Sue on Vancouver Island!

“I am a person that has been living with type 1 diabetes for over thirty years. Chronic illness is, and always will be, an important part of my life. When I first read about the movement to create a United Nations Resolution on Diabetes I knew this was something I wanted to work to support, to do what I could to help make the Resolution a reality. I have always held the work of the United Nations in high esteem. The UN Resolution represents an important way to attract attention to diabetes and for continuing diabetes advocacy against a global epidemic.

In order to do what I can to make the United Nations Resolution on Diabetes a reality, I became directly involved in the grass roots advocacy for this Resolution. I was elated when the landmark United Nations Resolution on Diabetes was passed in December 2006. The United Nations represents hope and possibility for our world and the United Nations Resolution on Diabetes represents hope and possibility for diabetes.

November 14, 2007 was the First United Nations Observed World Diabetes Day. I had the honour of being one of two representatives of the Canadian Diabetes Association at the UN Headquarters for this special day. It was even more special to be there with my family. To commemorate the UN Resolution on Diabetes, I started a Resolution Torch of Diabetes Advocacy at the UN Headquarters. Each year on World Diabetes Day, I add artifacts to the living time capsule and transport the torch to different locations to pass on messages to help evolve diabetes knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Fittingly, one of the first foundation artifacts came from Grant Maltman, Curator, Banting House Canadian National Historic Site.”