Venesa Vallese is an extraordinary young woman who has has volunteered her time to the Canadian Diabetes Association as a receptionist and office assistant at our Nanaimo BC location for four hours a day, five days a week, for the past four years! Venesa also volunteers her time on weekends for special events. She has been instrumental in managing office volunteers as well as helping to recruit, train and support new volunteers. Venesa is the first person people come into contact with when they phone or visit the Nanaimo office and she makes everyone feel welcome. Venesa has also volunteered with the Diabetes Clothesline Program and fields questions on a regular basis about this program. Venesa is dedicated to educating people about prevention and management of diabetes.

I am a diabetes champion because I believe if we all do our part in raising awareness, advocating and educating people about diabetes, we can make a difference. Through my work as a diabetes nurse educator, I recognize and respect the challenges that people with diabetes face every day. I am committed to continue working to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

I am a Diabetes Champion…

I have been a type 1 diabetic for 37 years, giving daily injections for 29 years and wearing an insulin pump for past 8 years. I have never focused on my diet as closely as I should, but I monitor my blood sugars closely (usually have an A1C in the 6 1/2 range) and exercise very regularly. I enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, tennis, quading, jet skiing, boating and pretty much any outdoor activity that the Southwestern United States has to offer.

I am extremely healthy to date and attribute this to lots of exercise and a positive attitude. I believe that with proper planning I can do anything that I choose. I also plan to volunteer with JDRF. I hope to help with diabetes education, support, research events, and whatever else I can do to help expedite the cure. I want to “give back” and help others that might be struggling with type one diabetes from the “real world perspective” that I have dealt with it effectively for most of my life.

As my doctor told me when I was diagnosed with type 1 37 years ago, “we all have the opportunity to live a full and rewarding life with diabetes”. I am living proof of that and believe that the choice is yours!

Isaiah was diagnosed at 18 months old, and is going to be six on January 1. He is so strong and leans on God for support through the hard times. He is our hero! He never complains about anything, and lives every day as positively as possible. He is upbeat, energetic and definitely an amazing role model for his family and for others living with type 1 diabetes. He is mature and responsible, checking his own blood and giving himself insulin with his pump. We love you Zay, and think you’re so amazing!

Kathryn is a Diabetes Champion…!  Kathryn is a tireless volunteer and expert dietitian and diabetes educator. She has served on a many, many CDA committees,and has been instrumental in the creation of nationally used nutrition education resources. She is presently helping organize the DES/CSEM annual meeting for 2010. I am constantly amazed with her energy and enthusiasm.

I am a diabetes champion because it has been my pleasure and honour to volunteer with the CDA for over 15 years. I am also a RD and CDE who has worked with people with diabetes since 1988.

Sue Taylor is a Diabetes Champion… Sue has made a valuable contribution to the Canadian Diabetes Association through her leadership of volunteers in the Vancouver Island Region. For over a year Sue was the volunteer administrator of the Learning Series and co-ordinated all community bookings as well as training a variety of community presenters. Over the past few years, Sue has delivered close to 100 presentations to a variety of community organizations and health care professionals. Sue has “Type 1.5″ Diabetes and was a Registered Nurse so is very knowledgeable about all aspects of diabetes. She is also an advocate and this year served as our Regional Delegate to the NAGM. Thank you Sue!

Gilles Provost is a true diabetes champion. For 52 days in July and August, he drove a support vehicle from Victoria, BC to Halifax, NS, supporting his son, Yves, who was raising funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Summer Surge fundraising campaign by cycling across Canada from coast to coast.

Gilles is 76 years old and has Type 2 diabetes.

First Gilles raised funds from his friends, colleagues and family. They he flew to Victoria from Laval, QC to quickly learn how to drive a car with a standard transmission! From the time Gilles and Yves left Victoria, Gilles went ahead 5 to 10 km at a time to map out the route and wait for Yves to ensure he was okay. His good humour and support, carried the two through many difficult, stressful times on the road.

Fifty-two days on the road saw the two men arrive safe and sound in Halifax, into the arms of family and friends, raising over $5000 to support the programs and services that the Canadian Diabetes Association provides to people with diabetes.

I am honoured to have met Mr. Provost. He has shown true altruism and put himself at personal risk to support his son and the cause. Gilles is a true Diabetes Champion.

A licensed physician in Canada, England, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Dr. Yang is a health organization’s dream volunteer. Holding exemplary credentials, including certifications in acupuncture, trauma life support and cardiac life support, not to mention passionately committed to social causes, Dr. Yang has been instrumental in helping the Canadian Diabetes Association build a bridge with the Chinese community.

Dr. Yang’s dedicated efforts with the Canadian Diabetes Association has led to the initiation of the Association’s Chinese language services the Association offers for Chinese-speaking people throughout Canada. The purpose of this program is to raise awareness about diabetes symptoms, prevention, self-management and public education in Chinese communities across Canada. He provides invaluable assistance in translating diabetes related literature and pamphlets, ensuring that the materials reach a broad population. In addition, he is a strong voice for the Association, continuing to promote awareness and prevention to the general public.

Dr. Yang continues to be actively involved in the Association’s annual Chinese expo, a popular event of education and information. He sits on the Chinese Program Advisory committee, serves as speaker, including the learning series presentations, and promotes the events to the Chinese media. He is also the top fundraiser of our summer surge campaign. Dr. Yang is a true diabetes champion.

I am a Diabetes Champion through my practice as a Nurse Certified Diabetes Educator working in family doctors offices. I bring diabetes education into the community by counseling people with diabetes in their family doctors office and collaborating with the doctor in their management. Having me in the office provides the doctor and patient both access to a “diabetes expert” that helps to support them in their self management goals and keep them abreast of what is new or emerging in diabetes treatment.

I am also active as a volunteer both in the community as an advocate and with the Diabetes Educator Section of CDA where I work to provide educational opportunities for other healthcare providers with an interest in diabetes.