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Dawn

Stephanie is a type 1 diabetic for 2 years and she smiles and keeps her head up high and dreams about a cure and she tries her very best to be happy. But as her friend its kinda hard to watch a 14 year old girl like Stephanie do something so big and hard its hurts me inside and out but I know she is a hero.

I think she is a Champion to me.This is picture of her i hope she can be your next champion.

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!!

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.

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.