“I am a Diabetes Champion because… I support people living with diabetes to take control of their diabetes and I teach others to try to do the same.”

“I am a Diabetes Champion because… I have dedicated most of my life to diabetes care, education and research.”

Gwen is a local Lioness who is living with diabetes for a two week period to help spread the word about diabetes and the commitment involved. She has been telling her story to her local Lion members.

Sarah has been living with diabetes all her life because her mom has Type 1. Now Sarah is an active volunteer at the Kawarthas Branch of the CDA and helps plan events that teach people about diabetes. She is a very valuable volunteer at the CDA.

Cathy is a champion because she is a mom of a child who has type 1 diabetes. Cathy is also the head volunteer at the Kawarthas Branch of the CDA and the longest standing volunteer at the branch. She is a very valuable asset to CDA.

Lynne has been living with diabetes for quite some time and is a new volunteer at the Kawarthas Branch of the CDA. She has a very positive aproach and is a lovely person to have at the CDA office. We love having her here.

Dan Makinson (2nd one on the left) is a diabetes champion. A close friend who has just been diagnosed with diabetes and has accepted the change in lifestyle, but it hasn’t changed his spirit. Dan holds a golf tournament annually and next years golf tournament he plan to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Asc.

I WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE MY MOTHER BECAUSE SHE HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING FOR SO MANY YEARS AND SHE IS ALWAYS EXCITED WHEN SHE HAS TO DO HER DIABETES VOLUNTEERING…MY NANNY IS DIABETIC AND MY COUSIN IS TYPE 1 AND MY NANNY IS TYPE 2 AND I ADMIRE HOW MY MOTHER DEVOTE HER TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. MY MOM IS THE BEST!

Mike is an unassuming man who works hard in the South East Ontario Region behind-the-scenes. Mike has personally supported one of our largest fundraising events (the Taste of Kingston Food Festival) since its inception 11 years ago. Through this work, he has raised thousands of dollars for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

As the Regional Director of South East Ontario, I am continually impressed with Mike’s quiet effectiveness. Considered outgoing and larger than life by some, he is also a man who is not looking to be in the limelight. Mike enjoys helping the Canadian Diabetes Association. He works quietly and professionally at all times.

Mike started a new fundraiser the fall of 2009. At that time, he took it upon himself to combine his passion for walking with his passion for CDA. He walked 30 km and raised more than $3,200 dollars.

I am proud to say I know Mike Nimeh. It is an honour to call him a friend and a champion of our work.

When I think of what a Diabetes Champion should embody, the first thing that comes to mind is my mother. From the moment I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of eighteen (almost 12 years ago), she has been my motivator, my nurse, my supporter, my personal researcher and so much more.

Her relentless reminders, questions and newspaper clippings, which at times aggravated me during my younger years, always helped me stay on-top of my health. She always remembered during times I wanted to forget.

I’m happy to say I am living a very well managed life with diabetes, and I owe it to her guidance, persistence and help all these years. I couldn’t have done it without her.