“My little sister, Meg, is my Diabetes Champion. She was diagnosed when she was 6. It’s been 3 years and she is 9 now. She is so brave. I would never be able to do what she does. She doesn’t complain, she knows that this is her life and there’s no changing that. She has always been very optimistic that there will be a cure in her lifetime.”
“I was diagnosed with hyperglycemia in 2003. At that time, I was about 225 lbs, 5’4″ and a health care professional. I had every symptom but was largely in denial. I then set out to become more active and lose weight. I learned all I could about foods and began making small changes every day–toward my goal of losing weight and becoming more active. I did things like parking farther away from the door, taking stairs when I could and looking for ways to increase my activity level. I also had a good look at my eating habits. 8 months later, I had lost 60 pounds and normalized my blood sugar. Today I am still diabetes free. I now work in the field of Aboriginal Diabetes Prevention. I am always spreading the word on how to prevent type 2 diabetes and I try to educate people on nutrition, and I lead physical activity groups. For the past 2 years I have been a leader in the Honour Your Health Challenge in BC leading a group of regular people through a 13-week training program in preparation for the annual Vancouver Sun Run which is a 10k marathon. I have RUN this 10K for the past 2 years. I would not be doing this if I had not had a brush with type 2diabetes. Believe it or not, this prediabetes scare, directly caused me to change my life and today I am healthy and happier than ever. Who would have thought a brush with diabetes could be a positive thing!?”
“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.
“I am living with type 1 diabetes for 27 years and wear an insulin pump since 2001, diagnosed at age 42 1/2. I became a member of the Canadian Diabetes Association in 1984 and was honoured to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2008 and this year an acknowledgment from the CDA for 25 years of active service. Through this journey I have met incredible people with many Diabetes Champions, who have inspired me and hopefully I am inspiring others. I have to date participated in 9 Team Diabetes events, which took my Husband and I to places such as Honolulu, Rome, Disney World and wonderful places in our own province. Our past Health Minister, on whose doorstep I was often, advocating with the Association for people with diabetes, nominated me to carry the Olympic Torch on January 27, 2010 here in Salmon Arm. I thank my Husband for supporting me through my ‘life with diabetes.’”
My two sons Edan, 7 and Daniel, 6 are my heroes. These two boys teach me everyday to cherish and love every moment. Neither one of them has let diabetes slow them down they love Lacrosse, hockey, colouring, and taking the dogs for walks. My two boys are Champions everyday. They are both on pumps that they have functioned since the first day. They teach adults about healthy living and things they cannot imagine. My boys rock 
“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.”
My Mom is a diabetic and she helps me to keep my diabetes under control. She has had diabetes for over five years. She makes sure I take my pills, and when she tests her blood sugar, so do I. She has had 2 surgeries and still does not let diabetes get her down. She is my Diabetes Champion!
“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!
