[twitter]I am always inspired when I meet people with diabetes.
Harry Flint inspired me to run more Team Diabetes events. Kerri Sparling inspired me to learn more about what living with diabetes is like. Daniel Hurtubise inspired me to keep his memory alive and continue the fight.
And the latest to raise my spirits is Johann. I met the 11 yo boy last week at a charity event. He was asked to speak about his experience at Camp Jean Nelson as the Shaw Charity Classic unveiled their fundraising total for children’s charities in Alberta.
“3 and a half years ago I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes,” he told the crowd. “I was terrified of needles, and today I take at least 5 needles a day for insulin and up to 8 finger pokes per day for blood sugar checks.”
“When I was diagnosed with diabetes I wondered if I would be able to do any of the things I loved to do. This summer I attended Camp Jean Nelson, the Canadian Diabetes Association‘s D-Camp in Water Valley Alberta, where I was surrounded by other kids and leaders that shared the same battle as I do with Type 1 Diabetes.”
Johann went on to describe the high ropes course he tackled, the water activities, the camp songs, and friendships that he made. D-Camps are such a remarkable opportunity for Canadian kids with diabetes. They get to be surrounded by peers with identical health challenges, while parents get a break from the constant worry about their kid’s well being. The kids get a chance to appreciate the possibilities they can accomplish despite their diagnosis and, for at least a week, they feel normal.
These kids and parents are so inspiring. I’m glad Johann had the opportunity to go to camp and test his limits and see that even though diabetes is a serious illness, it can be managed, and it can be managed to achieve remarkable things.
There’s a great roster of Canadians inspiring these kids too in a new video called #BeRemarkable.
Gregory MacNeil is a Canadian hurdler who has diabetes, and it didn’t stop him from taking on the world at the Pan-Am Games. Mixed Martial Artist Dessi Zaharieva, bi-athlete Bruce Kelly, elite level boxer JD Firth, power lifter Alex Naccarato and many more are featured in the clip proving anyone can #BeRemarkable.
You can support people with diabetes and encourage everyone to #BeRemarkable by joining the Thunderclap at PoweredByAccuracy.ca.
A Thunderclap schedules social media updates to be posted simultaneously across accounts for maximum impact. This #BeRemarkable Thunderclap is scheduled for World Diabetes Day, November 14.
GIVEAWAY
To inspire you to get control of your health, to stay active, and to #BeRemarkable, I’m giving away a black Fitbit Flex, valued at $119.
Terms: Contest open to Canadians only. Please do not use contest only social media accounts for entry, genuinely share this content and support people with diabetes. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Void where prohibited.
Disclosure: This branded content appears in exchange for a donation to Team Diabetes Canada.
Dad. Broadcaster. Writer.
Three time Guinness World Record Holder.
I run the world for Team Diabetes.