On April 16th, we held our first Connected in Motion community event in the Moncton Area.
We had nine T1′s, and four 5.5er’s show up for a spring hike on the Dobson Trail. We had mostly pumpers there, with at least MDI person representing the syringes – and everyone was excited to share strategies, and talk about their experiences with diabetes. One of our local endos was very supportive, and she send out our flyer to all of her patients!!
Sarah and I arrived early – and we met a lady who has had T1 for over 40 yrs
. I promptly gave her a high five. We made our way to the fire pit area, and waited for the rest of the group to assemble. One or two people were running a little behind, but we started out on a slow pace, and they caught up in no time!
We ended up about 2.9 km into the trail to a little bridge called Brydens Brook. It seemed like a good halfway point, so we stopped, tested and chatted. I attempted to explain to my best ability how cool Slipstream is . I promptly gave her a high five. We made our way to the fire pit area, and waited for the rest of the group to assemble. One or two people were running a little behind, but we started out on a slow pace, and they caught up in no time!
We ended up about 2.9 km into the trail to a little bridge called Brydens Brook. It seemed like a good halfway point, so we stopped, tested and chatted. I attempted to explain to my best ability how cool Slipstream is, and what Connected in Motion is all about.
There was a variety of people there – some diagnosed at 2 or 3 yrs old, some at 7, or 11, or 25 – it was really varied. Everyone was really open though, and that made the day very special…
I was very happy to see Jasmine and her friend Jessica there. At 17 and 16 they were the youngest participants there, and seeing teens live well with diabetes is always a special thing for me. Jasmine is starting to train for a half marathon – so any other CIM people who are runners should connect with her and see if they can offer strategies and tips!!
As we made our way back to the end – we definitely lingered – it was like no one wanted to leave right away. Being surrounded by a group of diabetics is like that – you are all so diverse in many many ways – yet have this one strong steel backbone that you all share. Sugars were tested again, fingers were too cold to bleed right away – but it all worked out in the end!!
By: Jason Turner
