George Canyon is a Diabetes Champion…!

My friends often ask why I am a George Canyon fan.  My aunt introduced me to George Canyon, when he was a contestant on Nashville Star. I watched the show because he was the “home town boy”. Soon after, I was a fan!

As we learned more about George , I was very excited to learn that he, like my three children, was a Type 1 diabetic/insulin pumper. I am always looking for role models with diabetes for my children. I like to expose them to “celebrities” who have overcome the challenges of diabetes and have accomplished great things.

We had the privilege of attending a private performance by George Canyon at a Children With Diabetes conference in Toronto. He is a great story teller and speaks so openly about his diabetes. He gives kids extra motivation to deal with their own diabetes. His message is simple – do not let diabetes hold you back from your dreams and aspirations.

I know child with Type 1 who met him at one of his The Sky’s Not the Limit concerts in 2009. They talked about pumping. She was hesitant about beginning insulin pump therapy, so he did a site change – just to show her there was nothing to be afraid of. His decision to let strangers into his private life of diabetes care has touched more children and families than he will ever know. His passion is truly amazing and very refreshing.

More recently, the kids and I attended his Christmas concert. We braved a snow storm and the 25 minute drive took us 1 hr, but it was worth every minute.  George invited kids in the audience to come on stage and sing with him – Aaron and Avery both went – Abby didn’t go, she was too “OMG Mom I’d die”.  Aaron went first followed by Avery. George spotted her pump and smiled. Aaron showed his pump to George. He thought that was excellent. They were all talking “shop” while the audience watched. Words can not express what that simple gesture meant to them and me.

George autographed their pumps and diabetes kits. They all talked diabetes , compared pumps and discussed to control his sugars. The ease with which he speaks makes you feel like you are the only person in the room; he is so open and genuine. Not only is he a great performer, he is a great role model for T1 kids!!

In my opinion, George Canyon is truly a diabetes champion!!

I am submitting Katie as a Diabetes Champion. Once you read her story, you will know why! Katie has ALWAYS been a champion to me This is KATIE’S story:

Before my tenth birthday, I got very sick.  My mom took me to the emergency room and were told I had type 1 Diabetes. The only thing that I was thinking was that Stacey in the Baby Sitters Club books had diabetes. I wondered why my mom was crying. I stayed in Fredericton hospital for a week. We met Dr’s, nurses and dieticians who taught us about diabetes. We learned how to give a needle properly. Everything was different now.

I learned how to live with my new disease. I was good at counting carbohydrates quickly.  My mom made  me packs with juice, crackers, and peanut butter. When my blood sugar went too low I had a perfect snack. School was interesting. My mom spoke to my class about Diabetes. It was new for my teacher as well and she was excellent with learning along with us how to keep me safe at school. My class made me  cards and I still have them.

At first, I think I enjoyed the questions and attention.  I was a healthy diabetic. I never had to be hospitalized, I wasn’t sick. I had good control. I took good care of myself and tracked my blood sugar results like my Dr. asked me too. I wore my medic alert bracelet. I behaved.  On the inside, as I got older I also got angrier. I took care of myself, but I hated my disease and talking about it. On the inside I was screaming… I just wanted to be normal. I did not want to be the diabetic girl, the girl who took needles and checked her blood sugar all the time. I didn’t want to be the one that moms at birthday parties would make a big deal over because I had to have sugar-free pop. 

I was angry it had to be me. I was always the only one in my schools and circle of people I knew. Then came Diabetic Camp. It was a great experience — every kid there was just like me! We all took our needles, we all counted carbs and we all checked our blood sugar! I attended for two summers, and it was a perfect experience.

Through the years the diabetic supplies changed.  The best freedom came when my parents bought me an insulin pump; it is the most extraordinary gift my parents have ever given me. It changed my lifestyle. Most importantly it helped with how I felt about my diabetes. I felt more in control.

Diabetes keeps me grateful for many things. I’m thankful for everything I have now. I am healthy, young and able to dream. My diabetes is not something I hide anymore. When introducing myself, I would definitely say “Hello! I’m Katie and I am a diabetic!” It is a part of who I am and after 12 years I am at peace with that! My mom has walked this whole road with me. She and I were the only ones in that room with the Dr. when I was diagnosed, and she alone remembers. I am so thankful to her for everything.

I am a registered dietitian and truly believe that diet plays an important role in diabetes management. I am involved with nutrition education for people with diabetes and enjoy helping them find ways to gain better control of the disease.

John Chick, is a Diabetes Champion because not only is he a great athlete and inspiration for young people with diabetes, he was just named CFL’s most outstanding defensive player of the year! During the regular season Chick recorded 11 sacks and forced four fumbles as a lineman with the Saskatchewan RoughRiders. Watch his game when he plays for the RR in the Grey Cup! Chick was diagnosed at the age of 14 and has to monitor his blood-sugar levels at all times. Congratulations John!

My Mom, who passed away 1997, is a Diabetes Champion. In 1961 she was told her 8 year old daughter was diabetic, and probably would not live more than 3 years. Her only training in the care of a diabetic child was two weeks of daily visits to the children’s hospital in Halifax to visit me and learn about blood sugars, nutrition and the giving of a needle. The advancements made since 1961 are nothing short of incredible. I am now on the insulin pump and wish she could have lived to see how far we have come. Thank You Mom for all the devoted care and determination in seeing me beat the odds of being a juvenile diabetic in 1961.

Sheldon has been a volunteer for over 25 years. He is always willing to lend a helping hand as a Canvasser and in the past a Captain for our annual fall campaign. Sheldon for the past 5 years organizes an event in his community to raise dollars for the Association. Sheldon stresses the importance of taking care of yourself if you are living with diabetes and he values the support he receives from the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Prov. Diabetes Educators.

George is a wonderful volunteer. He his always willing to lend a helping hand at a Health Fair and has been involved with the Cavalcade for Diabetes for many years. George was the Lions Liaison on PEI and has organized for the past 3 years a barbecue at our Children’s Summer Diabetes Camp. George is a volunteer you ALWAYS can count on.

I’m not sure if I qualify as a champion, but I live with type 1 diabetes and bipolar disorder. I make do on a small disability pension that frequently makes it difficult to pay my bills, maintain safe housing and buy groceries. Having type 1 diabetes and living in poverty creates incredible ongoing challenges that occasionally seem insurmountable. I think that it’s crucial for us all to remember that diabetes rarely exists on its own and that other pre-existing conditions often make living with diabetes extraordinarily difficult. I’m happy to say, however, that I have friends, family and the Canadian Diabetes Association to turn to when the going gets rough. Thanks to all of you for your assistance.

Marilyn McInnes is a clinical nurse specialist in Diabetes. She worked in diabetes care at Hamilton Health sciences for 20 years. During this time, she designed and taught a course on diabetes care for nurses at Mohawk college. She wrote a hand book for health professionals to use when teaching patients about diabetes. She designed a tool to help doctors to adjust insulin. She has taught nurses, physicians and other health care team members about diabetes. She became a member of the editorial board of the Diabetes Communicator. She has written many articles, on diabetes care. She has presented at international conferences about diabetes. She has touched the lives of thousands of patients with diabetes. Marilyn retired from Hamilton Health Sciences last year however she continues to work with a family physician in Hamilton to provide a diabetes clinic on a monthly basis. She also continues to present current research about diabetes at conferences and speaking engagements. She is a true Diabetes Champion.

She works very hard to teach Aboriginal people about their risks of diabetes and how to manage a diabetes diagnosis on a daily basis. She is passionate about educating everyone who approaches her. She is patient and understanding in each person’s personal choices for self-management. She and her education partner organized a diabetes educator workshop in remote NW Ont that was enthusiastically received by >30 participants from several communities. When asked to participate in World Diabetes Day events, she did not hesitate to volunteer. Her concern for diabetes care goes outside her scope of practice and into the communities she serves even “off the job.”