“Vicky Leung, a person with type 2 diabetes, is a true Diabetes Champion. Upon diagnosis over 10 years ago, instead of feeling discouraged, Vicky actively sought help and information through many resources, one being from the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA). After discovering the CDA in 1999, Vicky began her volunteer career with the Association’s Chinese services. She has dedicated hundreds of hours throughout her 10 years volunteering with CDA, contributing towards the Pacific Area Chinese Diabetes Information and Support Centre (DISC), at various outreach and community events delivering learning series presentations, and participating in public expos and educational forums. As a senior, experienced volunteer, she provides continuous support and feedback toward the ongoing operation of the DISC and its development of volunteers. Vicky plays an important role for customers who face barriers to our health care system because of language and cultural differences, providing guidance in an informed and empathic manner that reflects her wisdom, life experience, and newly gained knowledge which she continues to upgrade regularly. Vicky also volunteers with other health organizations in order to develop a more well-rounded knowledge about the body and mind to enhance her competence and volunteer experience with the Canadian Diabetes Association. Her volunteer experience with a senior peer counseling program also assists newly diagnosed people with diabetes feel her warmth and commitment. Vicky truly believes in helping others and not expecting anything in return. She strives to educate herself in order to share her knowledge with others through her work as a dedicated volunteer, and towards bringing hope to those with diabetes. Vicky does make a difference in many people’s lives and is a true Diabetes Champion.”

Kent is a doting, loving father of a young daughter with diabetes. From the moment she was diagnosed as a baby, Kent has become an advocate for all with diabetes. He has not only educated family and friends about this disease, but because he is a teacher, his students as well. Annually, he organizes very successful fundraising initiatives for Juvenile Diabetes. He is passionate about funding those who are close to finding a cure for this life-altering disease.

“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was eighteen years old, only 7 months ago. After being diagnosed I knew that there was a reason why I got this disease. From that day, March 13th I have not given up and will never give up. I work hard to make sure people are aware of this disease that touches so many people whether they are diabetic or not. I started a blog as soon as I left the hospital to document what it is like to live with diabetes since the hospitals and nurses only really let me know the medical side of diabetes. http://kaylaslifenotes.blogspot.com/ I will never let diabetes slow me down, I will only let it bring me to my dreams and remind me that I am strong.”

David, borne 1963, passed away October 2009. Living with diabetes, since 1967 and blind since 1984. I met David in the Legislature, Victoria, BC, while we were participating with the Canadian Diabetes Association and a contingint of advocates in 2007 to advocate for all people living with diabetes. He educated himself about the disease as well as he could, was fluent with the use of the computer. He and I were in contact several times via email until summer 2009. Friday, October 9, 2009 I read his obituary in the paper. David was my Champion and an independent soul. Bless you David and forgive me, for not staying in touch.

“My name is Cassandra Smith. I am a Diabetes Champion because ever since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 5 1/2 years ago at the age of 5, I have been raising money to help find a cure for diabetes and raising awareness about diabetes. I have been going on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation “Walk to Cure Diabetes.” I worked with my mom to create three children’s books about diabetes and did the illustrations. We sell these books and donate a portion of the sales to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I help set up fundraisers at my school and I am a youth ambassador with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. I have also done a number of interviews.”

“I am nominating my husband Gene as a Diabetes Champion. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as the age of 5 and has lived with diabetes for 66 years. This February it will be 67 years. Gene has experienced both the high and lows of dealing with diabetes. With careful monitoring of his sugar levels (4 to 6 times per day) and injections of 4 insulin shots a day, he still has good eye sight and use of his legs. He is determined to see his grandchildren grow up. Our grand children range in age of 6 months to 15 years. To date, neither of them have been diagnosed with diabetes.”

Spencer has had type 1 diabetes since Sept 2006 at the age of eight and was diagnosed with Celiac Disease Nov 2008 at the age of 11. He is a Hero for having to deal with not one but two life changing diseases. For the past three years our family has worked hard to educate those around us, our family, school, local sports teams and the community about diabetes and how important it is to understand and support finding a cure. Our family runs a Help Strike Out Diabetes Bowl-A-Thon every fall for the last three years. We have raised over $6,000 in holding this event alone.

“Diane is a Diabetes Champion! She has been living with diabetes for 45 years. She has been through many changes in the treatment of diabetes and has been adapting to it. She is involved in helping others with diabetes. She is still dreaming for a cure.”

“My daughter’s best friend, Emma, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in August 2008. They have been “besties” since the day they met in kindergarden. Although Hannah was as supportive and involved as any 10 year old could be she felt as though she needed to do something tangible to help her most loved friend in the world. She came up with the idea to organize a fundraiser to help find a cure. With a little help from me she approached the school administration and parent council and organized “Dance for Diabetes.” Each class gathered pledges and used their gym class to dance. In total this small school raised over $2,800 and every penny was donated to JDRF. When Hannah was elected class president one of her campaign promises was to make Dance for Diabetes an annual event. Before she graduated from grade 5 she had secured a promise from her principal that she could return every year to host this event. Over the summer of 2009 my daughter organized “Hannah’s Great Garage Sale” where she sold her old bicycle, toys, books and clothing. She raised $350 which she has saved as her own pledge towards this years fundraiser. She will be hosting the 2nd annual Dance for Diabetes on Thursday November 19, 2009 at Richmond Public School and hopes to plan a second event at her new school. Her efforts aren’t only monetary. She calculates carbs, reads labels and will always make sure we have the right food in the house for Emma when she comes for a sleepover or for dinner. She’s educated her friends and her parents! I am so proud of Hannah’s compassion and committment. She is so sincere in her efforts and truly believes that somehow she will be a part of finding a cure for Emma. She is motivated to action purely by the love she feels for Emma.”

“Birdelene Hansen is a Diabetes Champion because she has been living with type 1 diabetes for 41 years. She carefully monitors her blood sugar every day, takes her insulin, ensures that she eats nutritious food and gets a lot of exercise. She has struggled with high and low blood sugars, but is a healthy diabetic with a positive attitude. She is a great role model for her 11-year-old great-granddaughter who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 5.”