Q. Where are you from?

Q. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2002 at the age of 22.  I have been on the pump for 2.5 years now.  I’m an outdoor enthusiast and endurance addict.  I studied Architectural Technology and I’m a residential design/drafter.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. I was diagnosed in 2002 so I was on pen needles.  I had syringes for my Lantus.  Switching to the pump has its hassles but makes life so much easier for an exercise addict like myself.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I went to Taiwan and taught English for 2 years.  I backpacked around Asia for 4 months visiting Thailand, India, Laos and Cambodia.  I’ve camped in the dead of winter and the sweltering heat of summer.

I would like Diabetes to take me places and help educate others.  I want to get more involved in the community.  Most importantly I’d like to meet other like-minded D-folks in my area.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Long distance runner and endurance cyclist.  I’ve ran some half marathons, the 30k around the bay race here in Hamilton and I’m now training for my first marathon.  I regularly cycle hundreds of kilometers every summer.  I love going to the gym and working out.

I’ve completed some solo backpacking trips and even got air lifted off the west coast trail by helicopter.

Q. Do you have a blog or link you’d like to include?
A. www.canadiandgal.blogspot.com

Q. Where are you from?
A. I grew up in southern New Hampshire and lived there until I went to college in central New York.  After that, I settled in Ithaca, NY.

Q. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on July 9, 2003, so it’s been about 8 years living with diabetes now. I’m currently using an Animas Ping insulin pump/meter and a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It was awful! I was on NPH which is a slow acting (~4-6hr) insulin and Novolog. I had to carry the two vials everywhere I went, and mix them in a syringe which is not a very fun thing to do in public. My first HbA1c was 5.4%, which was only because I had so many bad lows from the random peaking times of NPH. Within a year I was using Novopen Jr with Novolog and a shot of Lantus (a 24-hour insulin) once a day. I finally decided to get an Animas pump (was IR1200 at the time) when I realized that 8+ shots a day was too much for me.

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. My most played songs are several of the long techno remixes by Paul Oakenfold and Ministry of Sound. I’m also frequently listening to hits on the radio and NPR podcasts. More recently I’ve been finding really great covers like Sunny Choi playing pop music on piano, and if I need a good laugh I just search YouTube for ukulele covers.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. If I had to pick a single event that was a great accomplishment with diabetes, I think it would be my first cycling tour. I spent weeks planning out a route around Lake Ontario and figuring out exactly what to bring without overpacking. I set out in early May of 2009 by myself on my bike loaded with just enough gear for the 1040km trip in 8 days. I stayed with some really great hosts along the way that fed me very well considering I was burning about 6-8,000 Calories per day. I set my basal rates to -90%, and hardly bolused for meals, averaging only about 15 units a day! Being so active kept my sugars in range for a week straight, so I’m really excited to do a similar trip this year – possibly around Lake Erie this time.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I have a big list of sports and have been looking to try out as many as I can, hoping to stick with a few that I really love. I got a hang gliders pilot license in college, though now I live in a place without any hang gliding nearby unfortunately. My main sport these days is cycling, and I’ve rode over 16,000km in the past 3 years. In the warmer months, I’ve been getting out on the windy days learning how to windsurf on Cayuga Lake,and kayaking when the wind isn’t there. This winter I’ve been learning how to cross-country ski and I am really enjoying that. I also love backpacking in any season too.

Website/Links: My journal for bike touring – http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/geekguyandy
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/andygoodell
Twitter – http://twitter.com/diabeticcyclist
My journal for bike touring – http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/geekguyandy
My blog for cycling rides – http://geekguyandy.wordpress.com/

Q. Where are you from?
A.

Q. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed at the end of July 2009 at age 20. I work for a local conservation authority during the summer months, spending a lot of time outside while completing environmental field work. My hobbies include Nature Photography, Dancing, Painting, Hiking and Canoeing. I have a great support system which include my parents Lynn and Brian, my boyfriend and my friends.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. My Treatment has gone through many changes since diagnosis in July 2009.  In the first 3 months, my sugars were controlled with strict dietary modifications, without the help of insulin/medication. In September 2009 I was rediagnoised as a “Type 1.5″ by my endocrinologist. I started medication usually used for Type 2 patients in 2010 (metformin and januvia). Then I was re-diagnosed back to Type 1 in October 2010 as pancreas function rapidly declined. I began Lantus prescribed in November 2010 with Metformin pills for 1 month. In Decomber 2010 I began MDI’s of Apidra and Lantus and discontinued the oral medications. As of May 17, 2011, I now use the Medtronic Paradigm Veo pump!

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I learned to Cook and adopted much healthier eating habits after i was diagnosed.  I also participated in the JDRF walk in Belleville in May 2010, participating again in 2011 with a large group of friends and family! I attended my first Connected in Motion Event, Winter Slipstream 2011, and have since been out to the 2011 Summer Canoe Trip. I’m already registered for Winter Slipstream 2012!

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I was a Dancer for 14 years (began at age 5), which included tap, jazz and acro. I was an assistant dance teacher in my last 2 years. Had to discontinue dance when I moved away to school, but I am currently taking a recreational dance class, and dancing whenever I can!

I love spending time outside, whether it be with work, or on my leisure time. My cottage is one of my favorite places to be, where i enjoy hiking, biking and canoeing and in the summer.

Website: http://meredithmillerphotography.webs.com/

Q. Where are you from?

A. I was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario! I go to school in London, Ontario but, by far, Brantford is where I call home.

Q. What’s your Story?
A. I was diagnosed with diabetes on March 13th, 2009 and have been living with diabetes for just over one year. I began managing my diabetes using injections but have recently become a pumper!

I am currently going to school at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario and will be attending Kings/Western University in the Fall of 2011.

My hobbies include doing anything creative (especially scrapbooking and writing). I also like to run! My entire family–my fifteen-year-old sister, Abby; my mom, Donna; and my Dad, Mike–have all participated in Connected in Motion events, as has my boyfriend of a year and a half, Clinton! I also have some awesome friends (like Sam and Michelle!) who like to come out to events as well. I have an amazing team of supporters!

I believe that I have been given a great opportunity because of my diabetes to reach out to so many other diabetics around the world through my blog (check it out at http://kaylaslifenotes.blogspot.com)

I have also been featured in my local newspaper a few times which has allowed me to express just how much diabetes has changed me (in a good way!)

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A.

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. Moment 4 Life – Nicki Minaj
Coming Home – Diddy ft. Skylar Grey
Hello –  Martin Solveig &Dragonette
Avril Lavigne – What the Hell
Knock Out – Nicki Minaj ft. Lil Wayne

Q. What keeps you ‘In Motion’?

A. I credit being diagnosed with diabetes just over a year ago for pushing me to become a better and more involved person. Before my diagnosis, I was no where near as active and involved as I am now.  Since being diagnosed with diabetes, I have competed in two 5k adventure races, played in a beach volleyball tournament and met a lot of amazing people!

To stay active, I like to run and ride my bike.  I also enjoy rock climbing and just simply playing around outside!  You can often find me outside hiking on trails or just playing around with a ball.

Blog

Keep up to date on my adventures by following my blog at: http://kaylaslifenotes.blogspot.com/

Anna was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. She goes to Victoria High School and lives with my mom, dad and her 18 year-old brother, Nick.

What’s your story?

She has had diabetes for 8 years, and is now 16 year old.  She uses a Animas pump and loves it!  Since this summer, Anna’s A1C has dropped to 8.8%, the lowest its been in 3 years! Congratulations, Anna!

Anna plays basketball and volleyball at her high school with her best friend Raelynn.  When I’m not at home you can usually find me at Raelynn’s house or hanging out downtown.

When Anna was 9 or 10, she was the youth ambassador for the JDRF on Vancouver Island.  During her time as the youth ambassador, Anna got to speak to lots of ‘big’ people and to share a bit of her ‘story’.  Anna even got invited to a diabetes lab in Vancouver, BC to take a tour and get a first hand glimpse at the progress towards curing diabetes!

What keeps you ‘in motion’?

When asked to describe the coolest thing she’s done as a person with diabetes, Anna told us, without a doubt, that it was hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park with Connected in Motion.  Anna also went on another trip with PowerToBe in 2009.  She really tried to make the most of her experiences while on the Garibaldi hiking trip and had a great time!

Anna plays lots of different sports!  She enjoys basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, field hockey and biking!  For the past two years, Anna has been awarded three MVP awards and a Most Improved Player award with her basketball team!

Hometown

Saci grew up in Olsztyn, Poland but moved to Canada with his wife, 13 years ago.  He now lives in Tecumseh, Ontario, which is just outside of Windsor.

What’s your Story?

Five years ago, Saci started competing in Triathlons.  He was just starting to train for his first Ironman Triathlon in October of 2008 at the age of 37, when he was diagnosed with diabetes.  It took some adjusting, but Saci continued to train and finished Ironman Wisconsin in September 2009 in 12:17. (For anyone unfamiliar with the Ironman, that’s 12 HOURS and 17 minutes! Way to go, Saci!). The next month, in Detroit, Saci ran his first stand alone marathon and finished with a time of 3:47.

Saci has been wearing an Animas pump since January 2010. He has been married for 15 years to his wife, Carlene and has a 12 year old daughter, Malika.

Saci is currently training for another Ironman which will take place in September 2010 (Rev3 Cedar Point).  His goal is to come in under 11 hours. BEST OF LUCK!

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?

Finishing the Ironman has definitely been Saci’s biggest accomplishment (so far!). He also spent a great week in Arizona at a training camp with 12 other Type 1s who were training for Iron Man races.

This August, Saci is part of a group of 12 Type 1 runners doing the Great River Ragnar Relay. The Great River Ragnar Relay is a 24 hour, 198 mile relay from Winona, Wisconsin to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Triathlon training keeps Saci very active. He cycles with a local bike group which keeps his bike training up–right now he does 2-3 rides a week (80-100km each). He does his swims and runs solo, whenever he can fit them in to his schedule.

Blog

Follow Saci on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SaciMow

Hometown

Aurora, Ontario

What’s your Story?

Michelle grew up in Aurora, Ontario and now lives in Waterloo.  She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in October of 1998 and has been on an Animas pump for six years. In 2009, Michelle graduated from Laurier University with an Honours BBA.

Michelle has been involved with the Connected in Motion since the beginning.  She first attended a Connected in Motion event at the 2009 Winter Slipstream.  Since then, Michelle has conquered the 2009 Mud Run, three 5k runs (including the Scotiabank run), Connected in Motion World Diabetes Day festivities, Connected in Motion volleyball, CIM Snowboarding, Winter Slipstream 2010 and has been integral in organizing the 2010 Mud Run and the upcoming Binbrook Try-a-Tri! Last summer, Michelle had her first whitewater rafting experience and describes it as the coolest thing she’s done with diabetes.  She is especially proud that her pump survived falling out of the raft multiple times!

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?

Michelle played soccer and tennis when she was younger.  She was a certified tennis instructor and still plays occasionally.  Michelle also enjoys playing golf, riding her road bike and going to the gym.

Leanne is a school teacher, a coach and an athlete. She is currently on a Leave of Absence from her teaching position in Toronto to pursue her paddling more competitively. She coaches Soccer, Track and Field, Outrigger and Marathon Canoeing and Dragon Boat.

Leanne competes internationally in Outrigger Canoe Racing as well as Dragon Boat. In 2008, she placed 4th in the world at the Outrigger Sprint Championships and won 3 silver medals as part of Team Canada. In 2009 came home from the World Dragon Boat Championships with 2 gold, a silver and a bronze as a member of Team Canada.

Leanne is on what she calls her “Adventure”. Once the 2009 school year was done, Leanne packed up her life, loading it into her car with her canoe on top and drove out west to train in British Columbia in preparation for the 2010 World Outrigger Sprint Championships being held in May.

Leanne enjoys talking to people at various paddling competitions about “that thing attached to her side” (being her insulin pump, of course!!).  She loves educating people about what Type 1 Diabetes is and the advantages of her insulin pump. Leanne has met many new people because of her Diabetes.

What Keeps You in Motion?
Leanne likes to keep busy so she spends her time enjoying various activities such as: paddling, climbing, running, weight training, yoga, baseball, hiking, camping, swimming, hockey, walking, biking and you may see her getting into triathlons in the near future.

Words of Diabetes Wisdom
“Diabetes doesn’t limit what I can do.  It motivates me to push my limits!”

Website/Blog
http://www.leannestanley.com

Hometown
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario

What’s your Story?
Andrew grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo, but currently resides in Toronto where he’s finishing his Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.  Andrew was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 7 years old, and he believes that he is a better person because of the challenges and connections that diabetes has provided.

This year, Andrew has committed to raising $2,500 for, and to riding in both Ride the Conquer Cancer and the  Cyclebetes cross Canada bike relay!  The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a 2-day, 200km cycling trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls to raise money for cancer research.  The Cyclebetes Relay is a tandem bike relay starting in Halifax on August 14^th, 2010 and finishing in Victoria on September 5^th,2010 to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  Andrew is participating not only to support a great cause, but to help show that diabetes isn’t an obstacle. He believes that diabetes is a challenge that will only make him stronger.

Being a camper and, eventually, a staff member at Camp Huronda was definitely the highlight of Andrew’s diabetic career.  Huronda has been an integral part of his personal development and helped him understand from the early age of 8 that diabetes won’t hold him back unless he lets it.

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?

Andrew is currently training for his two charity bike rides as well as and training for a couple of relay triathlons.  This keeps him on his bike when the weather is nice or on a trainer when it’s not.

Website Blog
Support Andrew in his JDRF Cyclebetes ride HERE!

Hometown
Prince George, British Columbia

What’s your Story?
Iain is currently a student at UNBC and a competitive 5 pin Bowler! Iain loves traveling and finding new adventures. Recently he traveled from Prince George, British Columbia to Haliburton, Ontario to attend Connected in Motion’s second annual Winter Slipstream.

In 2009, Iain joined a group called TEAM ONE who fundraised money for the JDRF and hiked the Inca Trail in Peru!

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?
Iain enjoys bowling, cycling, playing tennis, hiking and driving long distances.

Julie Robbins ‘In Motion’

Hometown
Mooretown, Ontario

What’s your Story?
Julie resides in London, Ontario. Her hobbies/interests include: exercising, traveling, being with friends and family (and especially spending time playing with her two nephews), diabetes advocacy and education, and just being outside and enjoying what nature has to offer. Julie has been working as an occupational therapist in private practice in the auto sector for the past 6 years but hopes to take some time off soon to travel and compete in triathlons and marathons across Canada and the rest of the world!

Julie will never forget the amazing ambiance at Connected in Motion’s Winter Slipstream 2009 at the YMCA Wanakita in Haliburton.

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?
In December of 2004, Julie completed the Honolulu Marathon as a member of Team Diabetes Canada and in October of 2007, she completed the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon as one of 21 selected Global Heroes. Julie’s experiences meeting and running with other individuals from around the world with medical devices and sharing/hearing their inspiring stories were amazing.  She enjoys being outdoors and exercising whether it be swimming, cycling, hiking, or running.

Words of ‘Betes Wisdom

As diabetics, we can accomplish anything we want to (it just requires a little extra planning/preparation, dedication and a positive attitude)! Diabetes is a disease that we can control and it is not a disease that should control our lives.

Jonathan White is from Halifax, but currently lives in Toronto. He is a PhD student in Media Psychology at Fielding Graduate University, President of City Language Exchange Inc., multi-sport adventurer and a motivational speaker.

What’s your story?

I became diabetic at age 15. At first I was reluctant but I’ve warmed up to it. I’m currently 27, enjoying working on a doctorate in Media Psychology in which I essentially study the art and science of story. I also create web businesses, documentaries, and other media projects. Two years ago I was lucky enough to get a chance to bicycle from the top to the bottom of Africa. 10 countries, 4 months, 12,000km, and a big nap at the end. I filmed the trip and am creating a professional documentary and webisodes. School-wise I have undergrad degrees in psychology and business and a MSc in organizational psychology.

How do you keep ‘in Motion’?

I find a sport I love. It’s always changing for me, which is half the fun. I play hockey, run, kayak, kitesurf, box, and am looking for the next big adventure, although a crazy diabetic just recently talked me into probably joining him for the original marathon (Marathon-Athens) in Nov/09.

Do you have ‘Words of Betes Wisdom’ to share?

I think I’m challenged by diabetes, which makes me tougher, and different because of it.
It makes me care less about social norms and enables me to focus on my passions.

What’s your Story?
Carlo grew up in London, ON but now lives in Ingersol, ON. When playing Jr. B Hockey, Carlo met another player with diabetes who eventually went on to play hockey at Princeton University. Athleticism must run in our genes!

Just before Carlo’s diagnosis, he remembers going through the ‘standards’–drinking lots, peeing lots. Eventually his mother got suspicious and brought him to the doctors for tests. Carlo remembers the next morning, while his mother was out running some errands, discovering the most giant and delicious looking chocolate cake in his fridge. Feeling sorry for himself, he cut the largest slice he had ever seen, got out a fork, brought his fork to his mouth… and the phone rang. His doctor was on the line and, after realizing that his mother wasn’t home, told him the news–Carlo had diabetes. “Oh,” he said, ” so this gigantic piece of choclate cake I’m about to eat is
probably not a good idea then?” He and his doctor broke out laughing, as his doctor told him that there was a bed at University Hospital waiting for him. In honour of his diagnosis story, every birthday Carlo makes sure that he has the biggest piece of cake out of everyone who is there!

Carlo was diagnosed in 1987 and has been living with diabetes for 23 years. When he was diagnosed he was put into a special study where his pancreas was ‘frozen’, so to speak, in order to attempt to save any remaining beta cells. He was started on cyclosporene (an anti-rejection drug given to transplant patients) as doctors believed that diabetes was a disease of the auto-immune system. Doctors hoped that they could ‘trick’ Carlo’s body into stopping the attack on his beta cells and to eventually wean him off of injected insulin. By the end of 1987, Carlo was weaned to 2 units of Regular Insulin (R) per day and eventually stopped injections all together. Unfortunately, Carlo only lasted 2 weeks without insulin, and his sugars began to ‘creep’ back up again. Today, Carlo wears a Medtronic Pump and a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).

Carlo is a father of two children, a husband and a teacher of intermediate math, science, visual arts and physical education. He put together his own cycling team and competes in the Ontario Cycling Association O-Cup series. He races at the Master CAT 1 Level.

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?
Carlo’s passion is cycling. He placed 10th at the Provincial Time Trial (37km) with a time of 51 minutes 46 seconds (average of 44.6 km/hour)! Carlo has always enjoyed biking and competed in his first race in 2004. After finishing his University hockey career, he found that he was only able to get on the ice twice a week and knew that he needed to do more to stay healthy! Carlo’s wife suggested that they both buy bikes so they could ride together and Carlo fell in love with the trails! He began saving his money to buy a better quality mountain bike, and by the end of the year, had bought a full-suspension bike and met some local riders that competed with a mountain bike team!

Carlo’s first race, in 2004, was the Paris to Ancaster. He completed the 60km race in just over 3 hours (Carlo says it almost killed him!) and was hooked! Carlo’s new biking friends convinced him to buy a road bike to train on and the following year, Carlo was able to finish the Paris to Ancaster race in 2 hours and 19 minutes! That time qualified Carlo to start with the top 250 riders the following year. Carlo’s cycling has helped him to not only stay fit and healthy but to control his weight. Carlo has lost nearly 40 pounds since he started cycling!

Carlo decided to try road racing 4 years ago. He was given a book on cycling training and began that September so he could
be ready for the first race in April. There are 3 categories in Masters racing: Cat 3 is made up of new riders with lesser ability through to Cat 1, made up of more elite riders. Carlo’s first race was in Hamilton, Ontario–AND HE WON! His second race was in London where he came third and was moved up to Cat 2. He came 9th in my first cat 2 race and it took
him the rest of that season and half of last season to finally move up to Cat 1 where speeds are much faster and races are more tactical. Depending on the course, average speeds will range from 40 to 45 kph with distances range from 90 to 130km. Last year, Carlo raced at the St. Lawrence Market Criterium in Toronto in front of 6000-7000 spectators! He placed 6th overall–3rd in his class (mixed race). If he goes back this year, Master 1 will race with the Pro racers!! If he does it, he’ll need the support of Connected in Motion because it will be painful!!

A self-proclaimed science nerd and brainstorming queen, Sarah loves being outside and watching nature happen. She was diagnosed with diabetes at 14 and after just 8 months headed off to Camp Huronda, a summer camp for kids with Type 1 diabetes. That first summer eventually led into working at camp for the next 9 years as a counsellor, lifeguard, high ropes and climbing tower instructor and finally as co-ordinator for the Junior Counsellor program.

Outside of camp, she graduated with a degree in Ecology (hence the science nerd title) and last year graduated with her Bachelor of Education. She currently lives and teaches in Calgary, AB. Teaching outdoor education is a natural fit for Sarah, as it means that she can spend most of her days tromping through the marshes, fields, forests and mountains - sharing her passion with ‘little’ ‘aspiring’ science nerds both in and out of the classroom.

Sarah feels that Connected in Motion is exactly what is needed in the world of diabetes. In fact, Sarah was Connected in Motion’s very first official member!

She says ‘There are just too many members of the Type 1 posse doing cool things that are never heard about’. Connecting with these people, hearing about their adventures and helping others to do the same, is what Sarah looks forward to most! Well, that and hanging out in hip waders.