“I was asked by our Regional Canadian Diabetes Association office to write myself up as a Diabetes Champion. So I’ll start with a disclaimer -I don’t claim to be a champion. I do what I do for diabetes research and programs because both my daughter Kate and my niece Leah have type 1 diabetes. Kate was diagnosed 16 years ago at the age of 7, and that was enough for me to decide to do something about diabetes – I just didn’t know what I could do. Then I saw some PR for Team Diabetes Canada, and ended up running Amsterdam in 2001. Next, we founded a Speakers Bureau here in eastern Ontario, and I was one of the trainers. That led to getting involved in advocacy at the provincial level, and eventually MC’ing several advocacy conferences across Canada. Hey, I’ve even begged for bottles at the local beer store! The real champions are my daughter and my niece – I just do what I can to support them and the millions of Canadians whose lives are in some way touched by diabetes.”

“I am a third generation diabetic, diagnosed when I was 22 years of age. Due to my healthy lifestyle of daily exercise and proper diet I have been able to keep my diabetes well controlled for approximately 40 years. As a Champion for Diabetes, my motivation is mainly because of the consequences two of my older siblings (also diabetics) suffered due to making poor choices. Becoming educated about diabetes and the awareness of side effects if not controlled, would make us all Champions!”

Mike is my Diabetes Champion. He was diagnosed about 13 years ago and with his diagnosis we’ve learned a whole new life. We live healthier and have used his diabetes to connect not only with the CDA but with many community members through support groups, speaking engagements and Team Diabetes.

We’ve learned to LIVE with his diabetes. Mike’s positive attitude and willingness to help others has made us both better people and given us an awareness of how we can use this disease to help not only ourselves but others.

Frank is a valued member of Team Diabetes (www.teamdiabetes.ca), and when asked why he supports the cause he said: ” I am a Diabetes Champion because I believe that there will be a cure in my lifetime and all it takes is the dollars, the research and the focus to make this a reality. Along with many others, if I can make a small contribution through my fundraising activities and through running, then together, we can make a difference.

My 5 year old daughter is my Diabetes Champion. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 7 months ago. In this short time she has learned when she is experiencing a low and brings it to my attention so we can treat it right away. She is also starting to make choices regarding what she can and can’t eat at certain times of the day. Most of all, my little girl is brave. She weathers the storm each and every day when she has to get her insulin shot. Despite everything that goes with living with diabetes she knows that the skies the limit, diabetes will not stop her in fulfilling all her dreams, even of being a princess.

To everyone out there living with diabetes, you too are my champion.

I know of a Diabetes Champion deserving recognition…for the past 6 years Robin Nadig has organized a third party event titled “Kiwanis Cycles Kilometres for Diabetes”.

Robin recruits bicycle riders to participate in a one week cycle from Victoria BC, to Powell River BC and ending in Port Alberni BC (this covers much of Vancouver Island). The cyclists stop in towns along the way and speak to elementary and high school’s about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating to prevent type 2 diabetes. The club also solicits sponsorship and donations and encourages riders to gather pledges to support the work of CDA. At present this third party event has raised almost $60,000. The club is planning the 7th annual ride in May 2010.
This event contributes to the CDA’s mission to promote the health of Canadians by raising awareness that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through a healthy lifestyle. The presentation that the Kiwanis Cyclist gives to the school children is a wonderful “leading by example” presentation that is understandable to all school levels. The funds raised by this event have supported the CDA’s mission by providing the funds to deliver successful education programs in communities on Vancouver Island.

Pauline is a dedicated Certified Diabetes Educator for Campbell River and a passionate supporter and tireless advocate for people with diabetes. Among her many work- and volunteer-related activities, every year Pauline is the lead volunteer who organizes a volunteer team of professionals, arranges activities, and supports participants at a family camp on Quadra Island for kids with diabetes and their families. This camp has an incredibly positive impact on whomever has attended. I am honoured to know Pauline. She is a true inspiration.

I am speaking for my self. i have been a diabetic for 3 years. i was diagnosed 8 days after my 13th birthday, which puts me at 16 right now. My diabetic Doctors suggested i go to the medtronic pump to help control my sugar levels. This pump has changed my life around, i am able to sleep in longer, and do more things with out having to stop and take a needle. I feel a Champion of Diabetes because; I am living my life normal.. I want to thank Lynn Dodd, and Dr. H

I have lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 48 years, with no complications. We have been blessed with 3 great children , having lost our first daughter. My life has been challenging . yet I have persevered daily to keep good control as now I am on the pump. Diabetes has its dark and light times, however I have managed to conquer all that it hands me. I would not be able to do that without the committment of my husband Chas who now has Type 2 Diabetes. He is a champion as he has helped me with hypoglycemia throughout our years together. He now has Diabetes and is following the diet to a tee. He is my support and my greatest help.All people with Diabetes need a committed family or a family member or friend to help them keep moving.

When diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 10 years of age I was a pretty scared little girl. No one in my town or school had type 1 diabetes. I attended my “first of many” Canadian Diabetes Association experiences…camp. I found mentors, education, and most of all fun. Through the years I remained in the camp life into my mid 20′s….hopefully touching many lives of others who were just like me when they were first diagnosed. Now, as a 5 year employee of the same association, I am passionately seeking others to help in all areas of Diabetes education and awareness. I have embraced the committment to my health, wellness, and that of others…that it what makes me a Diabetes Champion.