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.

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!

Because at age 4 Jesse was diagnosed with type 1, and thru the highs and lows, he’s been great.  Injection after injection he puts on a brave face and takes it like the trooper that he is.

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.