Jen Alexander was diagnosed 22 years ago when she was 13 years old – back when blood tests took 3-5 minutes. Her first open water swim was at diabetes camp, and after a fish gave her a funny look while she was swimming and she vowed she’d never do it again.

Recently, after swimming for 19 hours and 17 minutes, Jen became the first person to swim a double-crossing of Canada’s Northumberland Strait (from New Brunswick to PEI, then back to New Brunswick). During the best 10 hours of this world-record swim, her blood sugar averaged 6.2 mmol/L without any lows.

In 2007, Jen was awarded the Canadian Diabetes Association’s Inspiration Award. In 2008, Jen was honored with the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association’s “Athlete of the Year” award.

Day care worker, university student, track-and-field athlete and Team Diabetes Participant
“I established a great relationship at the daycare where I work, with a young girl who has type 1 diabetes. Connecting to Erica, I really felt the need to give back. As a competitive track and field athlete at the University of Manitoba, it was a logical step for me to join Team Diabetes. I’m training for the Rio de Janeiro marathon while raising funds for the Canadian Diabetes Association. That’s how I’m a Diabetes Champion.”

I believe this person is a champion for many reasons. They have worked hard on controlling their diabetes through diet, exercise and a good insulin regimen. This person is also becoming an RCMP officer. They had worked hard over the past year with various tests, controlling their diabetes, and as well being a counselor for diabetes camp and organizing a fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes program.

“I am a diabetes champion because … Actually, in my eyes, my children are the real champions – I am merely the care giver – they live with diabetes. We deal with the disease on a daily (or even hourly) basis, day and night. As you can imagine, in a household with three young Type 1’s, diabetes is an absolute intrinsic (if somewhat intrusive) part of our lives. The kids and I have become involved with education and awareness programs to help change how people ‘traditionally’ think of diabetes. We have also become involved with lobbying our local schools and provincial government to improve the care and programs available for all people living with diabetes. My ‘champion’ status will be attained, when I hand over the reins of their diabetes management knowing that I have instilled in them all the tools they will need to successfully manage their diabetes and live long, healthy lives.”

“I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 4.  I lost my sight to this disease.  I’m a Diabetes Champion because I live a healthy and active lifestyle.  I even ran a marathon. I’m a Diabetes Champion because I educate and motivate others affected with the disease. I’m a Diabetes Champion because I participate in a world renowned research program.  I live life to its fullest”.

“Over the last five years, the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP) has been discussing potential partnerships with our members, and it’s in the last year that we formed an ad-hoc committee to explore this possibility more closely. We thought that diabetes would be a good fit for us as so many of the occupational groups we represent are crucial in the diagnosis, care and treatment of people with diabetes. We believe that this new partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association will add to our involvement as Diabetes Champions, helping raise awareness about diabetes and awareness of the many health care professionals involved in the delivery of health care.”

“How am I a Diabetes Champion? I canvassed for diabetes with the Canadian Diabetes Association for years, until diabetes-caused Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) made it impossible, and I now support the cause with donations of my artwork whenever it’s needed.”

59 home care worker, grandmother and Team Diabetes participant

“I have (type 2) diabetes, and it runs in my family. A couple of years back, I heard about (the Canadian Diabetes Association’s) Team Diabetes and had been curious about the program. A first-time runner, I’m training for the Honolulu Marathon. I’m a Diabetes Champion for my sister, cousin, nephew…and all of my family, really.”

“Diabetes is a disease that impacts me personally. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2004 so I know first-hand about the importance of self-care and good diabetes management. I am a diabetes champion because I volunteer and help raise awareness and funds for diabetes research and education. I also do my best to live a healthy and active lifestyle.”

“As a dietitian, I love helping and connecting with people in my community. I work closely with people who live with diabetes and I’m a diabetes champion because I’m passionate about helping people achieve their optimal health.”