“My son is only 6 years old and is my HERO!! He right away deals with his daily struggles and continues to fight and play like the other kids. He has is up and downs, however makes both of us very proud parents.”

“Trinity is my 3 yr old daughter who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the summer. She is a brave and courageous little girl who I admire very much.”

“I have nominated my daughter Alisha who is my hero. Alisha was diagnosed Jan 20, 2009 at the age of 5 with type 1 diabetes. It has been a year of many first but she has taken it all in stride. She is always asking questions about diabetes and sharing answers with her family and friends. She now dreams of becoming a doctor to help other kids and to help find a cure. I sometimes look at her and just fill up thinking of how much she has to go through in a day. The 4 injections of insulin, the 6 or more sugar checks a day, watching what she eats so closely, sugar lows/highs, the emotions she feels when she is experience one, sick days and much more. Alisha also has a blood disorder for 2 year I.T.P (low platelets) which has caused a few more obstacles in her life, but she lives life to the fullest, she doesn’t let it get her down or stop her in any way. She is the best big sister, kindest friend, most caring granddaughter and the strongest, bravest, beautiful daughter I could have ever asked for. Alisha is my hero and my Diabetes Champion!”

Devon is 7 and has been living with diabetes for almost three years now. He’s a Champion to me because of the way he perseveres. He does not let diabetes slow him down or prevent him from taking up challenges. He impresses me by taking responsibility when he lets others know that he can’t have something or has to know the carbs so he can have it. I hope that he will continue to challenge himself and be a Champion for diabetes.

Meg was diagnosed at 6 years old she is now 9 years old. In 3 years she has learned much, cried little and has had a great attitude about her life. She has faith that there will be a cure in her lifetime. She is the bravest person I know and I am very proud of her.

“I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 44 years of age. I am a Diabetes Champion because I live a healthy and active lifestyle. I educate and motivate others affected with the disease. I’m a Diabetes Champion because I live life to its fullest. I have been a canvasser for the Canadian Diabetes Association in Sarnia, Lambton for 20 years. There is a great need for financial dollars so we can find a cure for this serious disease which is becoming an epidemic. More and more canvassers are required to help alleviate this disease. I am constantly trying to recruit more canvassers for the Sarnia office and explain how important it is to get involved.”

Kristen is a Diabetes Champion because she is dedicated to the diabetes cause and has worked tirelessly to promote it. Though she doesn’t have diabetes herself, both her aunt and fiancee have type one diabetes. Kristen has volunteered with children who have diabetes, done electives in pediatric endocrinology throughout medical school and around the world to work with children with diabetes and organized the World Diabetes Day celebration at the University of Manitoba in 2008. At that event, she raised thousands of dollars for an international charity that provides insulin and diabetes supplies to children in developing countries. Kristen is passionate about international child health and is a Champion because she has worked hard to improve things for children with diabetes across the globe.

“I am a Diabetes Champion because I have been living a successful, healthy and happy life with type one diabetes for over 23 years since I was three-years-old. Before I graduated from medical school I represented Canada as the International Diabetes Federation’s Canadian Ambassador to the UN Special Resolution on Diabetes. I am a passionate diabetes advocate and jump at the chance to tell my story whenever I can. I’m hoping to be done my Ophthalmology training in 6 years so that I can look after the vision of our diabetes community. I am living proof that diabetes is an obstacle that can be overcome and am inspired by all of the stories I see on this site.”

Willie doesn’t have diabetes. He doesn’t know what it is like to monitor his sugar levels, doesn’t know the emotional levels that accompany being a type 1 diabetic or even the parent of a child with diabetes. He is not an official insider.

However, he is loyal. He is aware, understands the consequences. He is a parent that is passionate about leaving the world a better place. And when he heard that his friend had made a promise to his daughter that he would do whatever it took to find a cure before her 18th birthday, he said “I must help my friend fulfill this promise.”

In 2007 a group of five friends bandied around one man who had made a promise to his daughter. He was one of those men. She was 12 and to help deliver that promise, they rode across Canada in 8 days, setting the Guinness World Record, and raised $800,000 for JDRF.

After the ride, Willie and another team member proceeded to write a book on the attitude it took to create their amazing ride. Of the physical copies proceeds would continue to aid the JDRF.

Still it was not powerful enough to create the long-term legacy to continue that promise. He wanted young people around the world to take action, to see their own potential.

Together with another friend, they decided to create a 24hr spin-a-thon at the high school where his friend taught. The focus would be – students leading students to help their friends, family and others with Type 1 diabetes. The students loved it and attacked the organizing of it with zest and zeal. They created the name Cyclebetes and they raised $82,000!

With Willie behind the wheel, in 2009 Cyclebetes officially became a charitable business. Built on themes of community, responsibility, and leadership, the two programs that Cyclebetes would now offer would give all Canadians the opportunity to become Champions and help deliver on the promise for a cure. This past August, Willie’s inspiration, determination, (and perspiration) helped set-off a relay that consisted of a core group of teams from each of the 8 provinces. Each provincial team will consisted of 5 adult riders and 5 youth riders (whose lives have been touched by juvenile diabetes). The event was amazing and raised almost $500,000 for JDRF!

“I am very proud to be a part of a huge team of Diabetes Champions from across the country. Since volunteering with the CDA over 10 years ago, I have met so many incredible, inspirational people that not only live well with diabetes, but serve others, to help them live well with diabetes. They are true Champions and have inspired me to run three marathons, volunteer, be part of the National Advocacy Council, speak at CDA events and share the message that yes indeed we can all with well with diabetes. Thanks to all of the Champions!”