my son is my champ… hes been a diabetic since 5 he is 9 now and hes such a man about it. and i say that cause im 36 n id mone n grown about taking needles but not him so hes my champ….

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes during my first pregnancy. In order to protect my unborn child, then my growing child and now myself, I made a life long commitment to good nutrition and excercise. I feel strongly that parents are the best role models for their children so I have lived the “talk”. I enjoy walking with coworkers at lunch, walking the dog with my husband nightly and trying new activities with our children on weekends: kyaking, spelunking, hiking, camping, skiing, fitness classes & sports; you name it we’ve tried (and loved) it. Healthly living is the best form of prevention. And its fun too!

Isabella was diagnosed in Sr. Kindergarten. Today she is a very active 10 year old “pumper”. She won her first soccer tournament this summer and attended Camp Huronda for the second year. In everyway she is your typical 10 year old, more interested in playing outside, on the wii or on the computer. Last year at school, two girls in Bella’s class were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Bella was quick to jump in and show them the ropes. And when things weren’t going so well, she would try and share her experiences. She has an incredibly kind heart and always thinks of others before herself. Bella manages her diabetes very independently and is a champion carb counter. And while it’s still sometimes difficult for her to make the tough choices when it comes to snacks/treats, she always rises to the challenge. Bella has a passion for art. She often spends hours working on one of her many projects on the go – here, there is no time for diabetes.

I am the God-mother of 7 year old Emily Grace Nikolic, who has been diagnosed with Diabetes in June of 2011. She is one amazing, active, smart, and caring little girl. Who has taken her diabetes and ran with it like a champion. Never asks why her, even with all of the challenges she has gone through. Has become so very educated in this matter, and is always wanting to learn more about Diabetes, and enjoys talking and explaining everything involved to any one who shows interest. Participates in the walks/runs for finding the cure and all activities offered to her thus far, she is the number 1 advoacate for Diabetes all of this at the age of 7 is certainly something to be very proud of. Love her and will continue to support her and all those with diabetes to fight the fight and find the cure.

Diagnosed at the tender young age of 4, Simon (now 5) has made great strides in the past year. He has learned how to do his own test, read the numbers (with a little bit of help), and is becoming aware of his ‘highs’ and ‘lows’. As he no longer has a nurse coming into the school to help him, Simon is more responsible for himself.
That is a lot to ask of a 5 year old. He is a champion!

Emma was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 10-months old. She is now 2 1/2. Diabetes is the least interesting thing about Emma and that is why she is my champion!

The beautiful little girl in the photo is Brittney. Brittney was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on January 31st, 2005, just 2 days before her 11th birthday. As we all sat and watched Brittney eating her little sliver of birthday cake while her friends indulged on a plate full of cake and ice cream, we realized just how much this news would change her life as we all knew it.
Brittney went through her diabetes training with the magnificent staff at the Stollery Hospital in Edmonton. During her time there, not once did she ask why this had to happened to her, or complain about getting her insulin injections. Coming from a girl who was terrified of needles prior to this, to a girl who now gets 3 needles a day, plus the countless number of finger pokes, is pretty significant. In addition to her diabetes, Brittney was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in March 2006. Being the picky eater that she is, this new diagnosis looked like it might be a bit challenging. But Brittney took this news in stride. She is now eating new foods that she would have avoided a few months ago because they taste “funny”, and is proficient in reading all of her food labels for carbohydrates and ingredients that she has to avoid.
I asked Brittney one day if she missed being able to go to the store with her cousin, and pick out a treat like she use to. She shrugged and said, “Not really”. This brought tears to my eyes as I realized just how strong and resilient this little girl is.
This is Brittney’s story. She is truly an inspiration to us. We are amazed by the wealth of knowledge that she has about diabetes and Celiac Disease and how quickly she has had to grow up. But most of all, her bravery.
She is our little “Diabrittic” hero.

On August 14, 2010, 72-year-old Ontario grandfather and Guelph resident, Charlie Barnes delivered on a very important promise, as a member of the Cyclebetes National Cycling Team… to help find a cure for his 15-year-old grandson, Geoffrey Barnes.

“In my lifetime I will do everything in my power to help find a cure…. that’s my promise to Geoffrey. I hope I am an inspiration to Geoffrey and others to get fit mentally and physically and try to make a difference in this world.” says Charlie. In the last 8 years, Charlie has raised more than $80,000 for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by cycling, running and competing in triathlons. Not only is Barnes participating in the relay, but he is also the charismatic and dogged Cyclebetes Ontario Team Captain. He and other members of the team will be riding ‘Dia-Betsy’ the Cyclebetes tandem bike symbolizing that great things are accomplished in ‘tandem’ with others.

Charlie cycled, relay style from the kick off in Halifax on August 14, 2010 through the Maritimes and Quebec and then across his home province of Ontario a total distance of 1500 kms. For the Ontario leg (August 21 – 26) his cycling partner will be none other than his grandson Geoffrey a grade 10 student at John F. Ross CVI. It’s no surprise that Charlie and Geoffrey share an extraordinary bond. Charlie is not only the inspiration, mentor and model he hoped to be to his grandson, but to everyone he meets! Vital, active and purpose-driven with the zeal of a young person describes Barnes to a tee. It’s this energy that has challenged hundreds of others to get moving and on the road to a healthy, active lifestyle. Charlie will be easy to spot – he’ll be out in front, leading the charge!