Julie is a mom of 3 children with type 1 diabetes. Julie’s daughter went on the insulin pump when she was 3 years old and Julie couldn’t find a fun way for her to wear her insulin pump so her best friend and her created Pump Wear Inc., over the years, Julie has provided a constant source of fun creative ways to wear an insulin pump, along with diabetes awareness items, she has supported fund raising efforts to find a cure for diabetes, has instituted the wall of change on her website to earn funds for jdrf and has over the past year helped to sponsor a free family weekend for over 15 families totally free to beable to get away and bond with other families.

For more information, visit www.pumpwearinc.com

Dawn

Stephanie is a type 1 diabetic for 2 years and she smiles and keeps her head up high and dreams about a cure and she tries her very best to be happy. But as her friend its kinda hard to watch a 14 year old girl like Stephanie do something so big and hard its hurts me inside and out but I know she is a hero.

I think she is a Champion to me.This is picture of her i hope she can be your next champion.

George Canyon is a Diabetes Champion…!

My friends often ask why I am a George Canyon fan.  My aunt introduced me to George Canyon, when he was a contestant on Nashville Star. I watched the show because he was the “home town boy”. Soon after, I was a fan!

As we learned more about George , I was very excited to learn that he, like my three children, was a Type 1 diabetic/insulin pumper. I am always looking for role models with diabetes for my children. I like to expose them to “celebrities” who have overcome the challenges of diabetes and have accomplished great things.

We had the privilege of attending a private performance by George Canyon at a Children With Diabetes conference in Toronto. He is a great story teller and speaks so openly about his diabetes. He gives kids extra motivation to deal with their own diabetes. His message is simple – do not let diabetes hold you back from your dreams and aspirations.

I know child with Type 1 who met him at one of his The Sky’s Not the Limit concerts in 2009. They talked about pumping. She was hesitant about beginning insulin pump therapy, so he did a site change – just to show her there was nothing to be afraid of. His decision to let strangers into his private life of diabetes care has touched more children and families than he will ever know. His passion is truly amazing and very refreshing.

More recently, the kids and I attended his Christmas concert. We braved a snow storm and the 25 minute drive took us 1 hr, but it was worth every minute.  George invited kids in the audience to come on stage and sing with him – Aaron and Avery both went – Abby didn’t go, she was too “OMG Mom I’d die”.  Aaron went first followed by Avery. George spotted her pump and smiled. Aaron showed his pump to George. He thought that was excellent. They were all talking “shop” while the audience watched. Words can not express what that simple gesture meant to them and me.

George autographed their pumps and diabetes kits. They all talked diabetes , compared pumps and discussed to control his sugars. The ease with which he speaks makes you feel like you are the only person in the room; he is so open and genuine. Not only is he a great performer, he is a great role model for T1 kids!!

In my opinion, George Canyon is truly a diabetes champion!!

John Chick, is a Diabetes Champion because not only is he a great athlete and inspiration for young people with diabetes, he was just named CFL’s most outstanding defensive player of the year! During the regular season Chick recorded 11 sacks and forced four fumbles as a lineman with the Saskatchewan RoughRiders. Watch his game when he plays for the RR in the Grey Cup! Chick was diagnosed at the age of 14 and has to monitor his blood-sugar levels at all times. Congratulations John!

My Mom, who passed away 1997, is a Diabetes Champion. In 1961 she was told her 8 year old daughter was diabetic, and probably would not live more than 3 years. Her only training in the care of a diabetic child was two weeks of daily visits to the children’s hospital in Halifax to visit me and learn about blood sugars, nutrition and the giving of a needle. The advancements made since 1961 are nothing short of incredible. I am now on the insulin pump and wish she could have lived to see how far we have come. Thank You Mom for all the devoted care and determination in seeing me beat the odds of being a juvenile diabetic in 1961.

I’m not sure if I qualify as a champion, but I live with type 1 diabetes and bipolar disorder. I make do on a small disability pension that frequently makes it difficult to pay my bills, maintain safe housing and buy groceries. Having type 1 diabetes and living in poverty creates incredible ongoing challenges that occasionally seem insurmountable. I think that it’s crucial for us all to remember that diabetes rarely exists on its own and that other pre-existing conditions often make living with diabetes extraordinarily difficult. I’m happy to say, however, that I have friends, family and the Canadian Diabetes Association to turn to when the going gets rough. Thanks to all of you for your assistance.

Dell Pharmacy in Smilthville has gone above and beyond this November spreading the word about World Diabetes day by selling and posting close to 500 blue circles. As demonstrated in the photo the effect of all the circles on there back wall is really awesome.
The effort was spearheaded by Leianne Grant, the Pharmacist Manager and Patty McCready, a dispensary assistant. Patty’s incredible story does not end here. In the New Year she will be donating a kidney to her father.
A heartfelt thanks to all the staff whose continued support extends the associations reach to so many in the town.

Simpson’s Pharmacy goes all out for Diabetes Month!

Staff at Simpson’s Pharmacy in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario decorated their store with diabetes displays of CDA literature, diabetes supplies and sugar-free snacks. Employees brought in bags of clothing to donate to Clothesline.

Thanks to Ward, Sean and Lisa Simpson for hosting the Blue Circle campaign. Thanks to Catherine, Elly, Edie, Maggie, Helen, Diane, Shauna, Hedy, Kim, Chrissie, Trudy, Wilma, Jim, Rick, Sandy and Pat for your support of the Canadian Diabetes Association!

Dr. Victor Chan, a member of the Chinese Program Advisory committee of the Canadian Diabetes Association, Vancouver Coastal, is the recipient of the 2009 Wilma Crockett Memorial Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to renal care in BC – a leader, an innovator, a role model who inspires others to achieve excellence.

Kidney disease or nephropathy is a serious complication associated with long-term diabetes. Over the years, high blood glucose levels and high blood pressure can damage the kidneys and prevent them from functioning properly or even cause them to fail completely. About one-third of people who have had diabetes for more than 15 years will develop kidney disease.

Dr. Chan has been interested in diabetic renal disease since training at the Joslin Diabetes Clinic, Boston in 1967. Since then he founded the hemodialysis unit at Royal Columbian Hospital in 1972. From 1972 to 2002, he was the driving force in the growth of dialysis facilities and nephrology services in a local BC health authority. Through his encouragement, the bedside peritoneal dialysis program grew be the largest in Canada.

Dr. Chan has improved the lives of countless patients with diabetic nephropathy during his professional health career. He is a true Diabetes Champion.

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.