“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!

“I live an almost normal life, despite my type 1 diabetes. I still have good control even after almost 5 years (I’m 14, I was diagnosed at age 9). My doctor always tells me I am his best patient, which is flattering, but I always feel bad for the people who fight for good blood sugars. I try to have a positive outlook on life, but sometimes it’s hard, and the whole thing just brings me down. I always have people to talk to though. I have so many friends from camp, and we’re all in the same boat. Just this summer, I tried a pump infusion set at camp with a few of my friends. I was so proud! Pumps had scared me and grossed me out for 4 years, but now I am actually getting one. I can’t wait to be almost the same as my friends. But I guess we can’t all be the same, or the world would be a pretty boring place, wouldn’t it?”

Rick has type 1 diabetes and has been volunteering with Canadian Diabetes Association for 30 years. Rick has served as Regional Chair, and Regional Delegate and currently acts as Chair of the volunteer team in Duncan, BC.

My son Iain was diagnosed this past Nov 14/2008– World Diabetes day of 2008 which we found ironic. It has been a long (almost) year with many challenges, upsets and fears. Iain turned 7 just 2 weeks after his diagnosis so there wasn’t much cake either. We are proud of how well he is doing to try to cope and accept such a challenge.

Joanne Farmer has been living with diabetes since her childhood. She has been actively volunteering with the Canadian Diabetes Association for almost 30 years.

“Jesse is a 13 year old boy who loves the dramatic arts and lives with type 1 diabetes. He will be playing Young Ebenezer Scrooge in Theatre Calgary’s production of “A Christmas Carol” this year. This will be his 4th role in theatre productions in Calgary in the past 3 years. Theatre Calgary is making a costume adjustment so that Jesse can have his insulin pump hidden in an inner pocket of his undershirt so it won’t interfere with his 7 costume changes. Diabetes isn’t going to hold him back from pursuing his dreams as an actor!”

“Part of the reason I got involved with the Canadian Diabetes Association is my close friendship with Andrea Kwasnicki-Senkiw (Manager, Public Programs and Services, Manitoba / Nunavut Region at the Canadian Diabetes Association). I also have two brothers who have diabetes, and a sister who is quite sick. I don’t have it myself, but I’m very much aware of it and what’s needed to take care of one’s self. I’ve been a volunteer with the Association for about 13 years now -canvassing, helping with learning series presentations, as well as advocacy initiatives.”

“I am a Diabetes Champion because I believe one can have diabetes and yet lead a good quality life. Diabetes is not about popping pills. Diabetes is about management, attitude and being educated about the issues. I volunteer with the Canadian Diabetes Association to get this message across. If I can impact the life of even one person living with diabetes, I feel that I have done my job for the day- I feel like a Champion.”