Dr. Victor Chan, a member of the Chinese Program Advisory committee of the Canadian Diabetes Association, Vancouver Coastal, is the recipient of the 2009 Wilma Crockett Memorial Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to renal care in BC – a leader, an innovator, a role model who inspires others to achieve excellence.

Kidney disease or nephropathy is a serious complication associated with long-term diabetes. Over the years, high blood glucose levels and high blood pressure can damage the kidneys and prevent them from functioning properly or even cause them to fail completely. About one-third of people who have had diabetes for more than 15 years will develop kidney disease.

Dr. Chan has been interested in diabetic renal disease since training at the Joslin Diabetes Clinic, Boston in 1967. Since then he founded the hemodialysis unit at Royal Columbian Hospital in 1972. From 1972 to 2002, he was the driving force in the growth of dialysis facilities and nephrology services in a local BC health authority. Through his encouragement, the bedside peritoneal dialysis program grew be the largest in Canada.

Dr. Chan has improved the lives of countless patients with diabetic nephropathy during his professional health career. He is a true Diabetes Champion.

Yasir Naqvi is the MPP for Ottawa Centre and he made a statement in the Legislative Assembly about Diabetes Awareness Month and the work of the Community Diabetes Education Program of Ottawa and its partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0ptpsDGCiA

Margaret Brink has had type 1 diabetes form more than 66 years. As she nears her 80s, I want people people to understand the disease and that people would recognize what an amazing story she has. Margaret continues to live an independent lifestyle at home in her condo in Calgary with her husband of 25 plus years, and she remains active through daily trips to the grocery store. She’s very disciplined at managing her diabetes and she has never had complications. For 66 years she’s followed a strcit diet and blood monitoring regime, which she still follows day after day. Because of her diet, normal complications associated with diabetes are almost non-existant. Margaret is a Diabetes Champion for living with and controlling diabetes for 66 years.

Venesa Vallese is an extraordinary young woman who has has volunteered her time to the Canadian Diabetes Association as a receptionist and office assistant at our Nanaimo BC location for four hours a day, five days a week, for the past four years! Venesa also volunteers her time on weekends for special events. She has been instrumental in managing office volunteers as well as helping to recruit, train and support new volunteers. Venesa is the first person people come into contact with when they phone or visit the Nanaimo office and she makes everyone feel welcome. Venesa has also volunteered with the Diabetes Clothesline Program and fields questions on a regular basis about this program. Venesa is dedicated to educating people about prevention and management of diabetes.

I am a diabetes champion because I believe if we all do our part in raising awareness, advocating and educating people about diabetes, we can make a difference. Through my work as a diabetes nurse educator, I recognize and respect the challenges that people with diabetes face every day. I am committed to continue working to improve the lives of people with diabetes.

I am a Diabetes Champion…

I have been a type 1 diabetic for 37 years, giving daily injections for 29 years and wearing an insulin pump for past 8 years. I have never focused on my diet as closely as I should, but I monitor my blood sugars closely (usually have an A1C in the 6 1/2 range) and exercise very regularly. I enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, tennis, quading, jet skiing, boating and pretty much any outdoor activity that the Southwestern United States has to offer.

I am extremely healthy to date and attribute this to lots of exercise and a positive attitude. I believe that with proper planning I can do anything that I choose. I also plan to volunteer with JDRF. I hope to help with diabetes education, support, research events, and whatever else I can do to help expedite the cure. I want to “give back” and help others that might be struggling with type one diabetes from the “real world perspective” that I have dealt with it effectively for most of my life.

As my doctor told me when I was diagnosed with type 1 37 years ago, “we all have the opportunity to live a full and rewarding life with diabetes”. I am living proof of that and believe that the choice is yours!

Isaiah was diagnosed at 18 months old, and is going to be six on January 1. He is so strong and leans on God for support through the hard times. He is our hero! He never complains about anything, and lives every day as positively as possible. He is upbeat, energetic and definitely an amazing role model for his family and for others living with type 1 diabetes. He is mature and responsible, checking his own blood and giving himself insulin with his pump. We love you Zay, and think you’re so amazing!

Kathryn is a Diabetes Champion…!  Kathryn is a tireless volunteer and expert dietitian and diabetes educator. She has served on a many, many CDA committees,and has been instrumental in the creation of nationally used nutrition education resources. She is presently helping organize the DES/CSEM annual meeting for 2010. I am constantly amazed with her energy and enthusiasm.

I am a diabetes champion because it has been my pleasure and honour to volunteer with the CDA for over 15 years. I am also a RD and CDE who has worked with people with diabetes since 1988.

Sue Taylor is a Diabetes Champion… Sue has made a valuable contribution to the Canadian Diabetes Association through her leadership of volunteers in the Vancouver Island Region. For over a year Sue was the volunteer administrator of the Learning Series and co-ordinated all community bookings as well as training a variety of community presenters. Over the past few years, Sue has delivered close to 100 presentations to a variety of community organizations and health care professionals. Sue has “Type 1.5″ Diabetes and was a Registered Nurse so is very knowledgeable about all aspects of diabetes. She is also an advocate and this year served as our Regional Delegate to the NAGM. Thank you Sue!