Willie doesn’t have diabetes. He doesn’t know what it is like to monitor his sugar levels, doesn’t know the emotional levels that accompany being a type 1 diabetic or even the parent of a child with diabetes. He is not an official insider.

However, he is loyal. He is aware, understands the consequences. He is a parent that is passionate about leaving the world a better place. And when he heard that his friend had made a promise to his daughter that he would do whatever it took to find a cure before her 18th birthday, he said “I must help my friend fulfill this promise.”

In 2007 a group of five friends bandied around one man who had made a promise to his daughter. He was one of those men. She was 12 and to help deliver that promise, they rode across Canada in 8 days, setting the Guinness World Record, and raised $800,000 for JDRF.

After the ride, Willie and another team member proceeded to write a book on the attitude it took to create their amazing ride. Of the physical copies proceeds would continue to aid the JDRF.

Still it was not powerful enough to create the long-term legacy to continue that promise. He wanted young people around the world to take action, to see their own potential.

Together with another friend, they decided to create a 24hr spin-a-thon at the high school where his friend taught. The focus would be – students leading students to help their friends, family and others with Type 1 diabetes. The students loved it and attacked the organizing of it with zest and zeal. They created the name Cyclebetes and they raised $82,000!

With Willie behind the wheel, in 2009 Cyclebetes officially became a charitable business. Built on themes of community, responsibility, and leadership, the two programs that Cyclebetes would now offer would give all Canadians the opportunity to become Champions and help deliver on the promise for a cure. This past August, Willie’s inspiration, determination, (and perspiration) helped set-off a relay that consisted of a core group of teams from each of the 8 provinces. Each provincial team will consisted of 5 adult riders and 5 youth riders (whose lives have been touched by juvenile diabetes). The event was amazing and raised almost $500,000 for JDRF!

“I am very proud to be a part of a huge team of Diabetes Champions from across the country. Since volunteering with the CDA over 10 years ago, I have met so many incredible, inspirational people that not only live well with diabetes, but serve others, to help them live well with diabetes. They are true Champions and have inspired me to run three marathons, volunteer, be part of the National Advocacy Council, speak at CDA events and share the message that yes indeed we can all with well with diabetes. Thanks to all of the Champions!”

“I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes five years ago. I am a Diabetes Champion because I pursued a career in medicine so that I can help others with diabetes and other chronic illnesses. As a medical student, I actively seek opportunities to educate my peers about diabetes, and share my experiences of living with diabetes with them. I am a Diabetes Champion because diabetes does not control my life. I lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and I am able to do everything I want to do in life. I am training to run a marathon in Brazil with Team Diabetes.”

Yves is a 52 yr old type 2 insulin dependent diabetic who challenged himself this past summer to cycle across Canada from Victoria to Halifax (over 6,000 km) in 52 days raising awareness of having a healthy lifestyle of exercise and good eating habits to control diabetes. Along the way he met many people, sharing his story and learning about theirs. Yves heavily promoted that life with diabetes can positive, people with diabetes could take charge of the “life sentence” that they’re given by a change of lifestyle so they may prevent the serious repercussions of this life changing condition. Yves raised over $5,000 personally for the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Yves is a true champion, risking personal injury for a true commitment to better the lives of others by demonstrating that no obstacle can step into the way of life’s achievements when you live with a chronic illness.

“I feel like I am a Diabetes Champion because I am only 12 and I have had diabetes since I was 3. Having type 1 diabetes is hard when your a kid because other kids dont understand and they make fun of you when you have to take needles and test yourself all the time before you eat. Being a type 1 diabetic means that I have to watch what I eat and when I eat it makes life a bit more difficult but I always try to be as normal as possible. Live life to the fullest! My friends are also a huge help and without them and my wonderful family I would never be as happy with my life as I am today! Thank you everyone!”

“Being Aboriginal, and knowing that diabetes tends to affect the Aboriginal population more than the average Canadian, I am proud to be a Diabetes Champion through my work with the Metis Diabetes Education Project in Saskatchewan. Diabetes runs deep in my family and community. Working together, we should be able to eradicate this disease; it is manageable, but also preventable, but has become a big epidemic because of our change in lifestyle, a lack of activity, and a poor diet.”

-George Fayant is a facilitator for the Metis Diabetes Education Project – working in Metis communities to provide culturally appropriate health programming to people at high risk for diabetes.

“Maria is an 8 year old girl who supported her baby brother Manuel when he was diagnosed at age 2. She was diagnosed 2 years later too, and is so aware of managing her diabetes and always handled it so maturely. She speaks to her classmates about diabetes, and gives her mom’s strength just by looking into her big beautiful brown eyes so full of life and hope.”

“I am a Diabetes Champion because I believe with all my heart that a cure will be found for diabetes. I want to do everything I can to help raise awareness and money for diabetes research. Probably the most exciting thing that I have done for JDRF was this summer when I was picked to represent Canada and the Children’s Congress in Washington DC. I was so proud to be able to represent my country and be part of a delegation of kids from across the United States, (as well as 4 other International delegates). During our time there we were able to meet with President Obama, Canadian Ambassador Mike Williams and many Senators and Congressmen/women. As an ambassador for JDRF I have met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper twice and have have made many speeches and have been active in both the Walk for the Cure and most recently the Ride. I am committed to being a Diabetes Champion until the cure is found.”

Colton (Age 11) and Karen Schmidt

PS. in the picture, I’m the one on the right with the glasses!

“I am a diabetes champion because while living with type 1 diabetes I advocate for the disease; emphasizing the importance of being proactive and educating those at risk of developing diabetes. I see the power of advocacy and the impact youth can have on the future of diabetes in this country.”

Despite having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes more than 10 years ago, Richard remains physically active and a leader in the community.

An avid hiker, Richard feels there is no reason why he can’t continue to hike. In fact, being diagnosed with diabetes has made Richard a more responsible hiker.

Prior to being diagnosed Richard would head off on hikes of 10 – 20 km, sometimes with no water or lunch and frequently without telling others where he was going.

After being diagnosed, he tells people where he is going if he’s hiking alone and he always brings a proper nutritious lunch or snack which include fresh fruit, trail mix and an emergency supply of sweets in the event that he begins to experience low blood sugar while hiking.

On his first hike after being diagnosed with diabetes, Richard hiked 27-km alone and with nothing more than a map and compass. He tackled the Prince-Jarvis Trail just south of Thunder Bay which involved some steep climbs, sections of trail that were thick and overgrown, amazing clifftop views of Lake Superior and, at the end, a washed out trail that required attempting, unsuccessfully, to jump over a creek. He missed the other side by inches and went into the creek up to his waist.

Richard is a Board Member and Hike Leader with the Thunder Bay Hiking Association and shares his love and knowledge of hiking with the club’s members.

In recent years, Richard has taken hiking vacations. At Glacier National Park, in Montana (his favourite place in the world), he twice hiked 24 km along the Continental Divide. The first time the batteries in his camera died half-way through the hike, so he did the trail again two days later so he could photograph the other end of the trail.

In 2007 he ventured alone to the Grand Canyon where he successfully and safely hiked twice into the Canyon, keeping his diabetes in mind and packing not only nutritious snacks and drinks, but also proper first aid materials for treating blisters and other potential injuries.

In the next few years Richard is hoping to take a hiking vacation to either the Great Wall of China or Mount Kilimanjaro.

Whenever he can, Richard loves to share his love of hiking with others and is always on the look out for new friends who he can take hiking.

Richard feels there are far worse medical challenges he could have and that there is no reason why he can’t do all he enjoys even though he has diabetes provided he properly manages it.

(Attached photo is Richard Boon along the Highline Trail at Glacier National Park in Montana, 2006)