Ethan was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 3. Now 10 years old, he has never let Diabetes bring him down or stop him from getting all he can out of life. Since 2004 he has helped raised a total of almost $15,000 for the Brantford Walk to Cure Diabetes. This is our third year as Team E-FORCE for the Walk with last years roster at 27 walkers. Ethan has competed in for many seasons of Ball Hockey and taken part in various charity Tournaments including the JDRF Welland Tournament in 2009 to raise money for the Boston Pizza Foundation for JDRF, all three Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournaments so far and the Ontario Road Breakers Street Hockey Charity Tourneys. We always hear what Diabetes takes from our children and their families but it also gives back to us as well. Among bringing families cl oser together and truly making you realize what really matters in life, it makes you aware that their are many diseases that you forget about just because they do not affect you personally. It opens your eyes to more than just yourself and diabetes. It has also given Ethan many great experiences including the opportunity and privilege of meeting many people incl Walter Gretzky at tournaments, country singer George Canyon to discuss life with an insulin pump and many local Dignitaries. He has practiced with the Blue Jays on field, been chosen Athlete of the Week for the Tournament Capital of Ontario website including on-camera interview and even participated in the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Ceremonies when it passed through town. Ethan has gone from a shy boy to a kind, active and involved young man who treats the people he meets in life with care and respect. He is our Diabetes Champion every day.

My son Caleb was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on October 18, 2009 at the age of 5. It has been 5 months since his diagnosis and he is our Champion. His strong will and determination keeps us all focused and in key with the daily challenges that this disease has dealt us.

I’m a Diabetes Champion because I have lived with type 1 diabetes since I was 15 yrs old and I’m now 27. I’ve come a long way since I was first diagnosed. I live by these words: “I have diabetes…diabetes DOES NOT have me!” It makes me smile when I have a rough day dealing with it.

Because he’s my father and he’s pretty courageous to continue to live a normal life, as normal as possible.

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.