“I was diagnosed with IDDM (type I diabetes) 39 years ago. When I was brought through the doors of the hospital back 39 years ago, my mother was told my blood sugars were 800+ and I was a “very sick little girl.” During my “early teen years” I ended up in hospital many times due to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). I was not able to join sport teams back then, as coaches thought I was a “hinder” rather than a help, due to my strict diet, exercise and insulin requirements (especially at meal times). As I’ve aged (matured) I HAVE become a advocate for better diabetes management! I am a nurse and work on an active cardiovascular/ general surgery floor and I see many individuals come through (our doors) with many complications and or implications that heed their diabetes control.”

Megan was diagnosed when she was 7. She is now 22. She is always positive and upbeat about diabetes. She says that things could always be worse. She lives life to the fullest, works long hours, never gives up, was in the B.C. Rodeo Association where she was one of the top riders. She was always an A honours student. She wants to be a spokesperson for diabetes, and help others change their lives. There is hope out there and she wants to spread the word. She is an inspiration with her positive outlook. Diabetes has not held her back.

“In our community diabetes care centers around the person with diabetes and involves the physician, the nurse practitioner, home care, and the pharmacist. As a community pharmacist I am easily accessible and people with diabetes often come to me with questions, for education, and for help with adjusting their medication. I am able to be the link between them and the nurse practitioner/physicians who are available by appointment only.”

Ed Peterson has been a coordinator for a diabetes support group for many years. He has participated in numerous local conferences, including an Annual Type 1 Diabetes Networking Forum. He currently holds the position of Consumer Representative, Central Okanagan Diabetes Advisory Committee, and is an active volunteer in his branch. It is Ed’s personal mission to deliver as much information about diabetes directly to people affected by diabetes in the Interior Region, and to the broader community.

Cheryl Stone is presently the Branch Chair of the Interior Pacific Region, Kelowna, B.C. The Chair of the branch is responsible for the management, development and the effective performance of the Branch Directors, and provides leadership to the Branch for all aspects of the Branch work/events. The Chair acts in an advisory capacity to the Regional Coordinator, and to other Branch directors in all matters concerning the interests and management of the Branch and, in consultation with the Regional Coordinator, plays a role in the Branch’s external relationships. She is an Advocacy Ambassador and was Regional Chair in 2006/7. Cheryl is a Speakers Bureau trainer helping volunteers spread the word about diabetes. She has been a volunteer of the Association for over 8 years.

Sandra Stonehouse has been a volunteer with the Canadian Diabetes Association for over 2 years. She is a professional in the health care field and wants to assist people who have this disease. Sandra attends Kelowna Branch Office meetings and helps in any way she can with community and pharmacy health related forums.

“My son Nicholas is my Diabetes Champion. He was diagnosed at age three and just had his 6th birthday! Since I am also a type 1 diabetic (mom Shirley was diagnosed at age 20 in 1986) I wanted him to start on a insulin pump as soon as possible – I love mine and the control and freedom it gives me! Nicholas has had his pump since July and is learning to give himself his own boluses. He constantly amazes me with his resilience and adaptability and handles his diabetes with a maturity beyond his years. I want him to learn that diabetes will not hold him back – as long as he takes care of himself and manages his blood sugars properly. Diabetes was never a disability for me and never will be – make the best of your life whatever your circumstance may be!”

“My 8 year old son is a Diabetes Champion. He has had diabetes for 4 years. For the last 4 years he has been a brave, confident, strong boy dealing with this disease day in and day out. He is very conscious of his disease and what he needs to do to keep himself healthy. When we go out for dinner he thinks about what he is going to order. When we allow him to have fries with his dinner sometimes he chooses salad. He is very aware of his body and when he is going low as he has never gone so low that he cannot take care of himself. He is very open about his condition and doesn’t allow anyone to make him feel less of a person because of it. At school, he teaches other children about his condition and answers questions openly so others understand him instead of fear him. He has been doing this since day 1. I am so proud of my young son that has had to grow up quickly and learn how to keep himself alive everyday when all his friends can just be kids. He is waiting patiently for a cure as we all are.”

“I am the first Diabetes Volunteer within the Windsor/West Hants area. When I dropped by various local businesses within Windsor, Jeff Redden, the owner of Windsor Home Hardware was very supportive. He set aside a table for a Diabetes Awareness display and is asking customers for donations at the 4 cash locations. Over the weekend, he asked me to attend the Ladies Luncheon to advocate awareness. Jeff also created an additional campaign, where he will donate a $25 gift certificate to the winner of the lock and key contest. If a customer donates $5, they buy a key, if it unlocks the lock, they win. Jeff said all the proceeds will go to the Canadian Diabetes Association. I believe Jeff and the Windsor Home Hardware staff are Diabetes Champions! Thank you for helping spread the awareness of Diabetes!”

She has completed a dozen or so Marathons, raising thousands of dollars for research etc. She has been an advocate for those suffering with diabetes in both her community and province. She keeps her brother on his toes who has type 2 diabetes. She volunteers her time for the diabetes and, and the human society in her town. She has held a number of volunteer positions in her province on behalf of the Canadian Diabetes Association. She was an organizer for a support group in New Westminster and Salmon Arm. She will be torch bearer for the Olympic torch when it comes through her community. Nel Peach is a Diabetes Champion!