“My wife is a Diabetes Champion because she has diabetes since she was 2 years old then last year our son was diagnosed at age 3. He was very scared and she has been a very strong woman and great role model for him to see that you don’t have to be scared of it, you’re not different from anyone else, you can live a very normal life and it should not hold you back. She is also a great sign of success for some other parents whose children were just recently diagnosed because when they saw her at a diabetes class one of the mothers whose daughter was just diagnosed was very worried about her child’s ability later in life to have children and live a “normal” life. When they saw her there she was pregnant with our 2nd child and I think she made the other mother feel a lot better about her daughters future health.”

David lived his life to the fullest through his time with diabetes until his passing on Oct.29/09….god bless my friend.

“When one of my patients is diagnosed with diabetes I tell them they have it, and me, their pharmacist, for life. I view my role as that of life support, knowledge base, confidante and conscience. For the patient in denial, I try to ensure I provide education at their level of comprehension so that they may make an informed decision on how they approach their disease. My gentle persistence reminds them I am concerned for their well-being as a pharmacist, friend and neighbor.”

“I am a Diabetes Champion! I have been living with type 1 diabetes for the past 20 Years. Diagnosed at age 7, I have experienced the highs and lows of dealing with diabetes. I have gone through the stages of frustration, and not caring anymore, to finally taking control of my life BACK. Growing up with diabetes is not always easy. I went from that shy quite person at the back of the room who keep my diabetes a secret and would hide to take my needles, to an outgoing advocate, who informs the world what living with diabetes is all about. We don’t always want to hear or believe what our parents is telling us is true (I have the most dedicated parents in the world). But for me, finding the CDA and volunteering with them, brought me back to reality. I enjoying speaking to people and sharing my experiences with them. I AM A DIABETES CHAMPION!”

Ellen was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10. She is now 19 years old now and a second year university student. Ellen’s zest and spirit for life have given her the determination to not let diabetes slow her down. She has worked as a diabetes camp counselor, gives back to her community through her work and interest in the Canadian Red Cross, is a member of the university Rugby Club and always taken the time to help others. Her wonderful spirit for life makes her a Diabetes Champion!

Devon is 7 and has been living with diabetes for almost three years now. He’s a Champion to me because of the way he perseveres. He does not let diabetes slow him down or prevent him from taking up challenges. He impresses me by taking responsibility when he lets others know that he can’t have something or has to know the carbs so he can have it. I hope that he will continue to challenge himself and be a Champion for diabetes.

“I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 44 years of age. I am a Diabetes Champion because I live a healthy and active lifestyle. I educate and motivate others affected with the disease. I’m a Diabetes Champion because I live life to its fullest. I have been a canvasser for the Canadian Diabetes Association in Sarnia, Lambton for 20 years. There is a great need for financial dollars so we can find a cure for this serious disease which is becoming an epidemic. More and more canvassers are required to help alleviate this disease. I am constantly trying to recruit more canvassers for the Sarnia office and explain how important it is to get involved.”

Kristen is a Diabetes Champion because she is dedicated to the diabetes cause and has worked tirelessly to promote it. Though she doesn’t have diabetes herself, both her aunt and fiancee have type one diabetes. Kristen has volunteered with children who have diabetes, done electives in pediatric endocrinology throughout medical school and around the world to work with children with diabetes and organized the World Diabetes Day celebration at the University of Manitoba in 2008. At that event, she raised thousands of dollars for an international charity that provides insulin and diabetes supplies to children in developing countries. Kristen is passionate about international child health and is a Champion because she has worked hard to improve things for children with diabetes across the globe.

“I am a Diabetes Champion because I have been living a successful, healthy and happy life with type one diabetes for over 23 years since I was three-years-old. Before I graduated from medical school I represented Canada as the International Diabetes Federation’s Canadian Ambassador to the UN Special Resolution on Diabetes. I am a passionate diabetes advocate and jump at the chance to tell my story whenever I can. I’m hoping to be done my Ophthalmology training in 6 years so that I can look after the vision of our diabetes community. I am living proof that diabetes is an obstacle that can be overcome and am inspired by all of the stories I see on this site.”

Willie doesn’t have diabetes. He doesn’t know what it is like to monitor his sugar levels, doesn’t know the emotional levels that accompany being a type 1 diabetic or even the parent of a child with diabetes. He is not an official insider.

However, he is loyal. He is aware, understands the consequences. He is a parent that is passionate about leaving the world a better place. And when he heard that his friend had made a promise to his daughter that he would do whatever it took to find a cure before her 18th birthday, he said “I must help my friend fulfill this promise.”

In 2007 a group of five friends bandied around one man who had made a promise to his daughter. He was one of those men. She was 12 and to help deliver that promise, they rode across Canada in 8 days, setting the Guinness World Record, and raised $800,000 for JDRF.

After the ride, Willie and another team member proceeded to write a book on the attitude it took to create their amazing ride. Of the physical copies proceeds would continue to aid the JDRF.

Still it was not powerful enough to create the long-term legacy to continue that promise. He wanted young people around the world to take action, to see their own potential.

Together with another friend, they decided to create a 24hr spin-a-thon at the high school where his friend taught. The focus would be – students leading students to help their friends, family and others with Type 1 diabetes. The students loved it and attacked the organizing of it with zest and zeal. They created the name Cyclebetes and they raised $82,000!

With Willie behind the wheel, in 2009 Cyclebetes officially became a charitable business. Built on themes of community, responsibility, and leadership, the two programs that Cyclebetes would now offer would give all Canadians the opportunity to become Champions and help deliver on the promise for a cure. This past August, Willie’s inspiration, determination, (and perspiration) helped set-off a relay that consisted of a core group of teams from each of the 8 provinces. Each provincial team will consisted of 5 adult riders and 5 youth riders (whose lives have been touched by juvenile diabetes). The event was amazing and raised almost $500,000 for JDRF!