“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.”
“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!”
