I can still call on vivid memories from the very first Slipstream. The people, excitement, conversations and revelations – feeling oddly jazzed about having diabetes. I can still sense the feeling of heading in from the crisp cold to a warm crackling fire and buzz of a crowd mingling in the lodge, the smell of wood smoke and insulin in the air.

I remember the drive home from that weekend, my mind racing with stories, bits and pieces of conversations, ideas and insights.

But what I remember most was the euphoric, larger-than-life feeling that I was part of something greater than myself, I was part of the Slipstream.

Each year, Winter Slipstream rejuvenates and revitalizes that ‘Slipstream feeling’. Having been to four events and working with CIM year-round, you’d think that perhaps the impact would lessen. My personal sense of the Slipstream has matured with experience (I now expect to be inspired, shocked at what others have achieved and accomplished, and know I won’t sleep for 3 days). Though no less powerful, it is different.

My ‘Slipstream feeling’ is now a mix of personal and vicarious enthusiasm. Now, watching others experience their first cruise in the Slipstream brings a new kind of euphoria and reminds me of the impact this weekend has. It’s larger than life.

This year’s Slipstream was the biggest yet with over 56 Type 1’s (and a few 5.5ers) joining us for the weekend. With growth, comes change. The 4th annual was hosted at YMCA Camp Pine Crest. Cozy cabins, a new dinning hall and over 650 acres of winter playground were ours for the weekend.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the CIM Ambassador Program made its debut. CIM hosted 25 committed Slipstreamers for a day and a half of hands-on workshops before the ‘real’ Slipstream began. The goal?

Give these passionate CIM folks the tools and information they need to spread CIM’s mission, vision and philosophy in their own communities. We gave them some insight into the inner workings of CIM, explaining how events come to life. They shared their ideas, enthusiasm and passion for ‘breathing fresh air into diabetes education’ with us.

Secluded in a 100 year-old log cabin in the woods, ideas were formed and plans were created. Keep your eye on the CIM calendar for upcoming ambassador events in your community.

As the Ambassador Program wrapped up, over 25 more Slipstreamers converged on Pine Crest from across the province and beyond. Medtronic Diabetes, Bayer Diabetes and The Eli Lilly Foundation all contributed to make the weekend a success.

As with past years, the following 48-hours were action-packed. After getting to know each other on Friday evening, the group was given the opportunity to take home their very own Contour USB meter as well as to use Bayer’s A1C Now devices. In 5 minutes, we were able to have our A1C’s tested in the comfort of the main lodge up at camp. Thanks to Medtronic Diabetes, Slipstreamers also had the opportunity to trial Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology. Once set up on their sensors, they participated in an educational session to learn the ins, outs, tips and tricks for getting the most out of the device. Conversations continued late into the evening…or wait, was it morning?

Saturday morning the group split into groups to take on a series of challenges – building towers of snow, getting tangled in brainteasers, singing their hearts out and trusting each other on the Inuit Blanket. Themes of perception, behaviour and structure set the stage for Dr. Nick’s Triad of Change workshop, where we were challenged to question how we, as individuals, approach change. In starting to identifying our strengths, weaknesses and how we approach change, we were able to see where we must focus our energy if, and when, we intend to make change in our lives.

Later that afternoon, Mark Davis challenged the crew on Pine Crest’s static ropes course. Four stories up, he coaxed and encouraged pairs through the sky-high obstacle course. Relying on each other, many were able to ‘change’ their perspective on what was humanly and personaly possible! Meanwhile, other Slipstreamers made the most of the fresh snow that continued to fall. They headed out across the frozen lake on snowshoes and cross-country skis. The tubing luge track was a hit, until warm temperatures and fresh powder made for Velcro-like conditions. By late afternoon, snow was falling faster than shovels could clear it, regardless, a small game of shinny emerged on the lake. As the sun set and the stars came out, 56 sets of rosy cheeks retreated to the warm lodge for supper. Outside, a full on blizzard was raging.

After dinner, as tradition now dictates, I read the annual Slipstream toast. With over 50 champagne glasses raised, the crew took a moment to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, themselves and each other. Later on, Slipstreamers gathered around a snowy bonfire complete with Molson 67 beer, sparklers and s’mores. Back in the lodge, a series of rousing Minute to Win It Diabetes-themed games were underway. Soon, the entire group was cheering and chanting as people faced off in the syringe hanging, Dex4 sorting, ping pong ball shaking challenges. Rousing turned to raucous as the finals approached; titles and bragging rights were on the line!!

Sunday morning came all to soon. Stories of evening (and early morning!) adventures rolled in as groggy-eyed participants gathered around the breakfast tables. Though weary (and sore!) from Minute to Win It, it didn’t stop the crew from heading back outside to play in the freshly accumulated snow. A big group game of snow ultimate, more cross-county skiing, snowshoeing and a full team effort on the Inuit Blanket rounded out the morning. After a letter writing debfrief and round-table sharing of our favourite moments from the weekend, we enjoyed one last meal together.

Four days at YMCA Pine Crest had come to an end. Folks said their goodbyes and began to trickle home. I knew that each car heading down the camp road would be filled with stories, laughter, insights, ideas and plans for the future, regardless of how many people were inside, regardless of whether it was their first, second, third or fourth time at the event.  Everyone would be buzzing, despite their physical exhaustion, with a sense euphoria larger-than-life.  I could tell by the tone of their voices, the looks on their faces, and the look on my own – we all had the ‘Slipstream feeling’.

Special thanks to the Slipstream planning committee – Jen, Mark, Aaron, Lizzie, Amy and Julie. And to Mike and Hank for documenting the weekend.

THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING SLIPSTREAM 2012 POSSIBLE

Fabulous weather, a beautiful course and fantastic volunteers contributed to a great event. Of course the golfers made the day! Out in full force, they ‘Birdied for ‘Betes’, showed off their strength on the ‘Longest Drive’ hole, demonstrated their precision at the ‘Closest to the Pin’ hole and the putting contest.

Immersed in a new and foreign sport, the CIM team learned a thing or two (including humility) on the tee blocks and greens. Thanks to everyone for their patience as we learned ‘experientially’!

Photographer Hank Devos took chase with a golf cart as the teams birdied, eagled and mulliganed around the course. Peruse his photos from the event below.

All of the funds raised will go directly towards our upcoming Winter Slipstream event this coming January.

Thanks to Shawn Shepheard, Laura Mackenzie and Chris Carmichael for organizing a great day! Our gratitude to all those who brought prizes for the raffle as well as huge thanks to Sarah Ketcheson, Jen Hanson, Hank Devos, Sarah Morris and Stephanie for vounteeriing their time, energy and enthusiasm.

Photo: Jen Hanson

Our small meeting room overflowed with positive energy and nervous excitement as familiar faces reconnected and new introductions were made.  Tom Baxter joined us from Kingston, ON to speak about his experiences as a Type 1 cycling across the continent of Africa as well as down the West Coast of the USA and Mexico. He spoke about completin g a medical placement in Rwanda, hiking Kilimanjaro and more. We laughed, learned and asked numerous questions about adventure travel with diabetes. From adventure travel we moved on to adventures in diabetes technology with an Intro to Continuous Glucose Monitoring hosted by Cristin from

Medtronic. Twelve canoe trippers were set up to wear Medtronic sensors for the weekend.

The session was a great chance to learn sensor

‘ins and outs’ as well as tips and tricks from the pros (nurses and other sensor users) before hitting the trail.  After a quick pre-trip meeting the troops headed to their rooms to take advantage of last luxuries – feather pillows and warm showers.

Photo: Hank Devos

The van rolled out early the next morning, packed to the roof with people, packs and food to fuel 20 active Type 1′s for a weekend adventure. Many of us noted unexplained ‘highs’ on ourBayer USB meters and sensors – must have been the excitement! By lunch time, we had arrived, picked up our canoes, loaded the boats and were paddling on the French River, a world away from the Holiday Inn.

After all of the preperations, predictions and premonitions that go into planning a mutli-day trip, the moment you push off shore is pure bliss. From there on in, you are out with the people you are with and the gear that you have with the sole purpose of enjoying the experience.

Photo: Chris Scully

At night, pump alarms reverberated out across the lake as we indulged in carb-laden treats and made up for energy expended throughout the day. Happy to be amongst fellow Type 1′s, and safe from the diabetes food police on our Type 1 island, we let loose a little, because, “yes we caneat that”. (Okay, we were all feeling just a little gluttonous and did go for a team swim after dinner to burn off some sugar!! But we can!)

Photo: Chris Scully

A HUGE THANK YOU to Jen Hanson, Amy Burrows and Jenn Randall for all of their hard work prepping, planning and during the trip itself. Another MASSIVE THANK YOU to Medtronic of Cananda and Bayer Diabetes for their support of our Summer Expeditions and Programs. Bayer was our ‘Meter and Strip of the Trip’ -All canoe trippers received a Bayer USB meter, strips and AIC Now test in addition to the opportunity to try sensor technology for the weekend. Many thanks!

Photo credits: Hank Devos, Chris Scully, Jen Hanson and Chloe Steepe. Thanks for the pics guys!

After dusting off our volleyball skills (and for some of us, debuting our volleyball skills for the first time!) eleven teams from across Southern Ontario hit the courts and bumped, set and, occasionally spiked their ways through the evening. Although the newly coveted ‘golden volleyball’ was taken home by the hot pink team, ‘Just the Tip’, captained by Christie Schuett, every team left with smiles on their faces! The enthusiasm and spirit brought by each and every team was contagious.

A huge thank you to each and every person who came out to share the evening with us. A special shout out to our team captains, Christie Schuett, Amy Burrows, Nadine Ahrens, Amber Anderson, Hannah Hall, Kayla Brown, Jules McKernan, Michelle Ingwersen, Daina Anderson, Beth Farnell and Shawn Shepheard.

Thank you to our volunteers, Julie Robbins, Becky Nelson, Pauline Martini, Nancy Steepe and Diane Feather for all of their work in ensuring the evening ran smoothly.

Thank you to our raffle prize sponsors Bayer, Dex4, Lululemon, Stella & Dot, Salba and Arbonne.

Thank you to CTV Toronto for their promotion of the event. (Miss the video? Check it out HERE)

Thanks to Mike Last (check out Mike Last Photography) and Hank Devos for taking pics at the event!

And last of all, Thank you to Jenn Randall, Erin Randall and Kayla Brown for making the event a ‘smashing’ success.

See you all next year!

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, 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

Amazing things happen when a group of like-minded people comes together for a period of time in a location such as YMCA Wanakita. With none of the usual distractions or obligations, people are allowed the opportunity to be fully present. In the same way that summer camp friendships progress at warp speed, Slipstream hours are akin to weeks in terms of relationships formed and bonds solidified. Factor in that we all start with the shared reality of living with diabetes and you have a recipe for incredible group dynamics and lasting connections. Being in the slipstream is a real sensation. The energy is tangible. (Just read the other blogs!)

This year’s event was truly a team effort. Jen and Chelsea worked tirelessly in the months leading up to the weekend, ensuring everyone was registered, organized, well packed and had flights and rides that aligned properly – no small feat. Mark Davis joined the team this year to challenge us to approach our learning edges and push our limits with confidence. In the first moments, he helped us to recognize our similarities and identify important connections. Who knew a common toothpaste brand could bring people together? Bazza from Abbey North Drummers had us walking to the beat of the same drum within hours of our arrival. He helped us shed our inhibitions and start to break down the barriers that inhibit us from putting ourselves out there by soothing our musical traumas with his assortment of percussion instruments. An educator to the core, Jen improved everyone’s diabetes knowledge and understanding as well as fitness, with a redesigned version of Diabetium. Chelsea ensured that everyone looked, as well as felt, part of the team by heading up the merchandise table. Hank was, once again, behind the camera, documenting our every move in unique and meaningful ways. We explored the trails, lake, and frozen forests of Wanakita by snowshoe and cross-country ski. We hung out, tested our A1C’s , experienced what it was like to wear a CMG, ate ExtendBars, drank low carb Molson 67, tried out our new Contour USB meters and stayed up way too late. Jason came from New Brunswick to share his compelling story about life before and after receiving an islet cell transplant. Julie and Saci shared stories and experiences of marathons raced, Ironman’s completed and Death Races to be trained for. The entire crew shared their knowledge and expertise during hot topic breakout sessions. And Mark continued to keep the flow and the theme of pushing limits, continuing to creating safe spaces for us to challenge ourselves at high ropes, trust one another by catapulting people into the air on the Inuit Blanket and bringing our ideas and 686 years of experiences full circle. As the weekend drew to a close, we were reminded that this really was a beginning, a launch point for an incredible year of change. Written on the road, the words WE R CONNECTED were written in the snow, a reminder to everyone that they were now part of a community, a network, the Slipstream.

I stood outside on Sunday morning, waiting for the team to get into CIM gear for the annual photo run. It was a crisp, cold, clear, bluebird day. Hannah commented that if you closed your eyes and turned to the sun, it almost felt like you were on a beach. I was reminded of my mom. Ever since I was little, on the last day of a vacation, she would sit with me, wherever we were and tell me to close my eyes, smell the smells, feel the textures and temperatures, listen to the sounds and feel the entire rhythm of the place and time we were in. I’d memorize it, package it up and store it away, deep down in my chest so it would be there should I need to call on it when I returned home and got back into the swing and regular stresses of life.

Click. New tab. Refresh page. I am back in the CORE. I hear the banter and buzz of energy, I feel my cheeks flush, warming after being outside in the cold. A mug of hot chocolate steams in my hand, I see flashes of green, hear laughter, pumps beep and pens clicks. I’m sitting on a wooden bench. Never in my life have I felt so comfortable. I’m back in the Slipstream.

As more days fill the gap between Winter Slipstream 2011 and the present moment, know that you can do the same. With one click, you can be back in the Slipstream – connected to an incredible community of supportive people who reach out their arms in a welcome. They are excited to see you again.

Thanks to our Winter Slipstream 2011 sponsors and supporters:

Medtronic of Canada Inc.

SPIBelt

Bayer Diabetes

MedicAlert Canada

Dex 4

ExtendBar Canada

Molson

I warned you Chloe…

I think slipstream and Connected in Motion perhaps have a slightly different meaning for me than other Slipstreamers. Every event I’ve been too I have been ‘working’ and capturing moments for the video content on the youtube channel.

Before I get into the bulk of this post I feel like i should give a little bit of background on myself. I love being outside and am very comfortable outside but by the same token I am also very at home on a computer. In the past few years I’ve been spending loads more time on my computer and less time getting outside and being active. The effects of which were readily apparent to me, I was gaining weight and my BG’s weren’t great.

I’ve been a skier for my entire life (since I was 2!) and here I was just being a sedentary guy, becoming another statistic. I’d tried jogging but didn’t really have the motivation to stick with it and unfortunately for me, you can’t ski all year round.

I wasn’t motivated, and I didn’t even really realize that I was looking for something or someone to get me motivated.

Then in 2009 through my friend Sarah Ketcheson, I met Chloe. I had worked at Camp Huronda, but it had been quite a few years since I was there. Chloe explained the idea behind slipstream and what she wanted to do with Connected in Motion. This was a business meeting for me and so I didn’t think to much about the potential impact on that this would have on me personally. I was only thinking about how to not screw up the video for her and make something good.

The first slipstream came and went, I heard many people speaking about the ‘impact’ it had on them. I’ve been around other diabetics for a long time now; my older sister is a type 1 as well, and I worked at camp Huronda so I’ve had no shortage of diabetic friends. I think this is probably why Slipstream didn’t ‘change’ me all that much in the beginning.

After I’d finished the video for Chloe, it went up on the old website and people started seeing it. I’d met up with Chloe a bunch more times after Slipstream we’d chat about the video and about what was coming up for connected in motion. It wasn’t until after I went to the mud run that I realized what CIM was for me personally.

It has become an extended family of sorts, one that gently nudges and motivates me to keep active. Because of CIM I ran my first fun 5km (the mud run) then went on to run the Scotiabank 5k in Toronto. I would never have done this things on my own.

Fast forward to today and all the adventures I’ve been on with CIM.. canoe trips.. hikes.. skiing days..

Slipstream (and Connected in Motion for that matter) started out as a business relationship, one that I naturally had a vested interest in being Diabetic. Today I feel like part of a group, rather than just the guy with the camera.

Tech support questions aside, I consider Chloe one of my really close friends, one that I wouldn’t have met without that first Slipstream.

Because of my connection to Chloe and Slipstream I am also able to (hopefully) affect people with my work. Combining what I love to do (film) with something close to me (Diabetes).

I’ll wrap this up by saying I’m proud to be a part of something that has such a positive impact on people; Chloe has created something that truly fills a void in my life.

And Chloe… I was right about the Fedora, but I stand corrected.. it is a real thing:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayan_salt

By: Hank Devos

Being diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes in July 2009 was a huge shock for me. My half-sister Julie was diagnosed at age 7, and was very brittle, so I was already too familiar with the highs and lows of the disease. It wasn’t your typical type 1 diagnosis, I had only a few of the typical symptoms so I was taken for a glucose tolerance test, for which I did not get a passing grade. My diabetes was very slow to progress, and I managed to lengthen my honeymoon stage and control my sugars without insulin with the help of several type 2 oral medications until December 2010, when i started MDI’s of Lantus and Apidra. After my constantly evolving treatment, I feel that I emerged a stronger, more mature person.

When I decided to sign up for the Winter Slipstream, I was both excited and scared. Excited to meet a group of other people that deal with the exact same type of things as I do on a daily basis, but scared that I wouldn’t know what to say them, or that I would quite fit in.

What I discovered after walking into the doors of the Core was that I can put myself out there and make a connection with people whom I’ve never met before. I found myself in a room full of Type 1 diabetics swapping stories and experiences that I could not discuss with any other group of people. It’s not usually within my comfort zone to strike up a conversation with people whom are not my friends, but at
slipstream it was easy.

If there is one thing that I can say about my first Connected in Motion event experience, is that I’ve never felt more accepted and understood as a type 1 diabetic as I did last weekend at YMCA camp Wanakita. And it makes me so happy to know that I am not alone, and there are so many wonderful people out there that are going through the same things that I am every day. All I had to to was to put myself out there and introduce myself. I definitely expanded my comfort zone last weekend. Thanks so much Connected in Motion for bringing everyone together!

By: Meredith Miller

Looking back over a year ago in February when I was in Brock University studying hard like every other post secondary student, I wasn’t doing too well in the health department. Overtime I was getting hungrier with each passing meal and I could’ve drank a liter of water and I’d still have the driest mouth and pissed like a racehorse (pardon my French). I was in survivor mode and I had no energy to realize what to do about it. Partially out of fear I avoided going to see the doctor because a friend of mine suggested I was diabetic. “I thought, good god! How can I give up all my favorite food in my life?” I ignored it.

Finally the day came where I was at the nurse because I wasn’t feeling too well and the nurse smelt my breath. She said I had to go to the hospital and a taxi was going to pick me up. I turned to her and said, “No chance, I have a French test tomorrow that I need to study for.” Needless to say I went to the hospital where they did their whole song and dance (checked my urine and blood) and sent me to the ICU. The nurse turned to me and said with a smile that couldn’t fool anyone “you have type 1 diabetes… ”

Eventually I got out of the hospital and lived my everyday life, however there was one difference, I felt like superman! Having insulin in my body made me feel alive! I could see better, I could taste food, I could actually hear, I had energy to do things I wanted to, everything felt like it was on hyper drive and my endorphins were surging. I felt like the king. However, I was ignorant. My endo was on mat leave and I didn’t really bother to follow up with the nurses who gave me a basic insulin regime. I didn’t check my BG levels because I felt like a million bucks. So I took on the job of tree remover over the summer where I lifted the heaviest chunks of wood.  Over time I began to see scars on my arms and legs but didn’t think anything of it.

I went back to school and was ready to tackle the world of education with new vigor. I was open about my diabetes to everyone and after awhile I noticed looks of concern and frowns. I realized I hadn’t done any research and then I found out about the complications…. I was floored. I broke down and thought to myself “I am a twenty year old man, I should be the master of my own f*cking destiny”.

I left university and went on a mission to learn how to control my diabetes better. Here’s where the turnaround begins. I started doing trial and error and over the course of weeks of practice I got the gist of it and started seeing 4’s, 5’s, 6’s, 7’s, 8’s the occasional teens and I got ticked off, but they were rare. I also came across the greatest group of people any person could ask for, oh and they are all type 1’s as well.  A group called “Connected in Motion” was recommended to me, and I heard they were doing a scavenger hunt for World Diabetes Day. I met up with them and they instantly befriended me. Talk about a group of amazing people,  they can relate with everything from the lingo (bolus, basal, dextabs, hypoglycemia, lows, high Bg’s, A1C…) and the emotions that go along with being a type 1. They are the best support group one can ask for. They made me realize that being a type 1 doesn’t mean you should give up (although many other people who are ignorant believe so), and that was exactly what I needed to hear.

I realize now how much of a learning curve the first year with type 1 diabetes really is and that the Kübler-Ross’ model of grief is entirely true. Coming through the five stages of grief, I have learned to live by all those morals you hear from parents or end of kids shows such as never judge a book by its cover, or even on the side of a Lululemon bag (do something that scares you everyday), such as talking with a group of people which still makes me nervous to this day, but I am beating it slowly but surely. I also learned that perfection is impossible and the more you strive for it, the more you will only let yourself down in attempting it. Rather celebrate the small victories such as those 5’s and learn from those bg’s in the teens. It’s a hard pill to swallow. But hey, what else can I do, give up? No way, not with so much to do in this world and so many people believing in me. You really learn a lot about yourself when you survive and learn from a catharsis and that is what happened to me this past year and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

By: Jeffrey Molnar