Q. What’s your story?
A. I’ve had type 1 diabetes since the age of five. I’m still using pens & syringes for insulin doses but I’m currently in transistion to begin using a pump. I’m really excited for this new change because I feel that with my eating habits and active lifestyle the pump will give me that flexibility.

I studied Marketing and Finance at Ryerson University. I graduated in the spring of 2008.

I love to run! I picked up running about five years ago out of curiousity from fellow runners in my neighbourhood. My first attempt didn’t go so well. But I didn’t quit just yet and kept at it until eventually I built up my endurance. Running (and being active, in general) has greatly improved my health, especially when it comes to managing my diabetes.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It was strict starting out. I never felt like I had the flexibility to change things around on a day-to-day basis. Nowadays with shorter acting insulin, as well as carb-counting, it’s now my insulin intake adjusting to me rather than the other way around.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. In May of 2010, I ran my first full marathon (42.2km). At first I was intimidated by the distance. But as training went on and the mileage gradually increased I was able to adjust my insulin and food intake accordingly and received a lot of great advice along the way. I wanted to do this to prove to myself (and to others) that diabetes doesn’t have be what’s stopping you from achieving whatever goals you have in mind. Since then I’ve ran a total of five marathons which includes: Toronto, Vancouver, and the Goofy Challenge at Disneyworld (half and full marathon in the same weekend).

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Other than running, I also work out at a gym and play a variety of sports with some friends for fun. I just recently ran the Toronto marathon and achieved a new personal best with my time.

Q. What are the top 5 most played songs on your iTunes?
A. Beautiful Day- U2
Lose Yourself- Eminem
Going On- Gnarls Barkley
The Love Song- k-os
Jammin’ – Bob Marley

Q. Do you have a blog or link you’d like to include?
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=506980817

Q. Where are you from?

Q. What’s your story?
A. Born 2 minutes apart, Alex was first diagnosed at 18 months, and Andrew was diagnosed at the age of 7.  We have never looked at diabetes as a handicap, and have accomplished much in both academics, sports and travel!  Both of us are currently on the pump.  University was spent at Queen’s, McMaster and UofT pursuing education in medicine and engineering.  Our parents are our role models for providing us with a healthy and hardworking ethic both in work and play!

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. It has gotten much easier, less painful, and more flexible since we were first diagnosed.  Using a pump has made a world of a difference in allowing for discreet dosing and minor interruptions to our daily life.

Q. What are the top 5 most played songs on your iTunes?
A. Top 40!

Q. What are the coolest thing you’ve done as people with diabetes?
A. We have canoe-tripped in Algonquin, snowboarded in Whistler, backpacked in Europe, camped in the Middle East, hiked in South America, and eaten lots of strange foods in Asia!  Not because we are diabetic, but because diabetes does not control us!  A recent great opportunity for us was to speak at the annual Diabetes Day weekend at the Hospital for Sick Children, our childhood hospital, to let other diabetics know that there are no restrictions with this disease!

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. We always love to be active!  Growing up as competitive swimmers, we were fortunate enough to be medalists at the high school OFSAA championships, as well as record holders within our swimming region!  We have been a member of volleyball, basketball, inner-tube waterpolo, dragon boat, cross-country, rugby, ultimate frisbee teams and many more!  No sport is out of our scope, and we embrace the work hard, play hard mentality!

Q. Do you have a blog or link you’d like to include?
A. http://www.facebook.com/aanda.yeung

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. What’s your story?
A. I was diagnosed with diabetes ten years ago at the age of 10 and have been on the insulin pump for the past nine years. Also, for the past year I have been on the sensor and love it!  I am currently studying Finance and Marketing at the University of New Hampshire. I also am a member of their Division-1 Ski Team. When I have free time I love to spend quality time with my friends and family.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. When I was first diagnosed I was on Humalin and Humalog injections. After a year of needles I decided that the pump would be more flexible for my active lifestyle. I have definitely struggled balancing my athletics and diabetes over the years but with the support of my family, doctors and new technology I am always making improvements to my diabetes management. I currently am on an insulin pump an wear the sensor 24/7.

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. A few months after I was diagnosed in 2001 I attended Camp Banting- the diabetes camp in Ottawa. After that first two week camp full of laughter, crazy costumes, outdoor activities, dybo friendships and a place to feel comfortable with my diabetes I was hooked! I have worked for Banting ever since I was 15 as a counselor, lifeguard, rover, and Waterfront Director. I love contributing to the magic of Banting as it gives children, living with type 1 diabetes, two weeks of fun,  a chance to make lifelong friends, and a huge boost in their self confidence that they can carry on forever. I love camp and don’t intend on leaving anytime soon.

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. I have been a ski racer for the past 8 years and it has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people, travel, and work hard.

When I am not skiing or training for skiing I love running, swimming, playing tennis and pretty much anything outdoors!

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/

Hometown

What’s your story?
Margaux is 20 years old and has had diabetes for 3 years.  She has been on the pump for 2 of those years and also use a CGM! Margaux completed two years at the University of Victoria but has decided to take some time off from her studies and head out on an adventure!

The coolest thing Margaux has done while living with diabetes is the very adventure that she is on right now! Margaux is living in Paris for a year as an aupair for a French family. She packed up her life and moved to France in order to see the world and to take the time to figure out what she is going to do with the rest of her life.  Although having diabetes didn’t give her this opportunity, it sure didn’t stop her!!

What keeps you ‘in motion’?
To stay in motion, Margaux likes to run and play volleyball.  After the trip to Garibaldi Provincial Park with Connected in Motion, Margaux has a new found interest in hiking and backpacking!  She also loves to travel as well as to dance and sing (but only when she’s by herself!)

Hometown

Christina’s hometown, and the place she still calls home, is North Vancouver, British Columbia.

What’s your story?

Christina has had diabetes for 8 years and is the proud user of Medtronic insulin pump!  Her hobbies include hiking, swimming, running, argentine tango, salsa, horseback riding, photography and writing.

What keeps you ‘in motion’?

While living with diabetes, where in the world has Christina been?  Perhaps a better question would be where hasn’t Christina been?  Christina has traveled through most of Europe and parts of South America. She has swam in every ocean she had the opportunity to swim in, has zip-lined from one tree to the other, has walked with wolves in British Columbia, has fed a lion in Spokane, Washington.  Christina believes: ‘diabetes ain’t never slowin’ me down!’

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

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

What’s your story?

Jen was diagnosed with diabetes when she was three years old. She grew up on a farm in Sunderland, Ontario with two younger brothers and two younger sisters. When she was eight years old she became a camper at Camp Huronda and spent the next eighteen summers on the shores of Lake Waseosa working as a counsellor, pottery instructor, climbing tower instructor, challenge course instructor and program director! Jen had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica in 2008 and teach at an environmentally focused experiential school in the mountains of Monte Verde. Since then she has been keen to expand her traveling horizons! Instead of limiting her, Jen believes that diabetes has allowed her countless opportunities and is grateful for all of the amazing people she has met because of it!

How do you keep ‘in Motion’?

Jen grew up exposed to an abundance of sport and physical activity, but competed most passionately in rugby, hockey, ringette and wrestling. Jen attended Brock University and competed both provincially and nationally with the Varsity Women’s Wrestling team and trained among Canada’s olympians with the Brock Wrestling Club.

Recently, Jen has broadened her ‘sporting horizons’ and has began running, hiking and swimming.

Do you have any ‘Words of betes Wisdom’ to share?

Take advantage of the opportunities that diabetes allows you and the challenges will be easily overcome.

Website/Blog Link

www.twitter.com/j2hanson

Hometown
Philadelphia, PA, USA

What’s your Story?
Jaime grew up in Philadelphia, PA with her older sister. When, at 27, Jaime was diagnosed with diabetes she was scared to death.  She knew something was wrong but never imagined diabetes.  She didn’t even know what “Type I” meant.  The first two questions she asked (in tears) were “How long is my life span?” and “Can I ever have children?”  She thought she had been given a death sentence.  She definitely believed she would be a sickly person for the rest of her life.

Luckily, because she was diagnosed as an adult, she was able to educate herself and take control. Jaime remembers crying for about 2 days and then taking on diabetes full force, almost as an obsession…at times an unhealthy obsession:  checking, counting, obsessing, and stressing when she got it ‘wrong’.  She never took time to get sad or feel bad about living with diabetes.  Jaime read everything she could and talked to anyone that would listen.  While it took her running, diet and overall health to a whole new level, she has since learned to relax a bit and enjoy life more.  Jaime believes that no one can live daily with such discipline and personal scrutiny and now tries to go more easy on herself.  The irony, her A1C still remains in good control!!! Immediately following her diagnosis, Jaime was sent to an education/support group and wanted to leave immediately.

The group was comprised of older adults with Type 2–a room full of people she felt she could not relate to! This experience led Jaime to shy away from so-called support groups and really hadn’t been involved with any other diabetes groups until coming across Connected in Motion! All in all, at 30 years old, Jaime still considers herself somewhat of a ‘newbie’!

Jaime has a BA degree in Spanish from Temple University in Philadelphia. She went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Spanish Linguistics, also from Temple. Jaime is now half-way through her MBA in International Business! She currently works in International Programs at Temple University and gets to travel all over the world because of it!

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?

Jaime ran two marathons prior to being diagnosed (in Montreal and Boston) and four since (in Philadelphia, Newport, Disney, Twin Cities).  She loves to run any distance–her personal best in the 1/2 marathon is 1:29 at the Indianopolis Indy Mini last year.  She once tried a sprint tri–It was fun but she feels much more grounded competing on her own two feet. Jaime ran in the Disney Marathon (with Chris Jarvis by her side!) and finished with a personal best of 3:13.

Jaime has run for as long as she can remember.  Before that, she would ride her dirt bike next to her mom as she trained for marathons.  In elementary school, she remembers being the chubby kid in the back of the race waving and smiling at everyone.  She still like to stop and give kisses to her family when she sees them on the course.  Her fans are what carries her through.
Jaime is taking a break from marathoning this season.  In May, she will be running a local 10 mile race “The Broad Street” run where she’s hoping to break 68 minutes.

After six marathons, Jaime has finally learned the importance of cross training to prevent injury.  She now does pilates, spinnning and  just started lifting seriously last fall.  She finds that the weight room is a whole new culture–nothing like running and a whole different type of pain.  She didn’t think anything compared to the pain she put herself through during speed work-outs but she has to hand it to weight lifters!!  She like the challenge though so now you’ll find her in the gym just as much as out on the trails.

Jaime absolutely loves to dance! She’s the first on the dance floor and the last to leave.  Ol’ school rap and hip hop is her favorite but she has to admit, she’ll dance to anything!  Zumba gives her the dancing fix I need in her life. She ran a fantastic Zumba session for Slisptreamers this year and everyone was totally hooked on her energy (and talent!)! Thanks Jaime!

Words of ‘Betes Wisdom.
Stay connected–There’s no reason to go it alone!

Hometown
Ottawa, Ontario

What’s your Story?
Shawn was diagnosed with Diabetes on Christmas day, 1997. Living with Diabetes has changed his life in many positive ways (Yes! He said positive!)! He has met so many incredible people living well with diabetes.

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?
Shawn has completed three full marathons and seven half marathons and he loves hockey!

Words of ‘Betes Wisdom.
You can live well (very well!) with diabetes!

Website Blog
www.shawnshepheard.com

Hometown
Chelsea was born in Munich, Germany and has moved around quite a bit since then. She calls Montreal her home town, but Toronto has been her base for the past three years.

What’s her story?

Chelsea graduated from Concordia University in political science and now works at the World Wildlife Fund as Events Coordinator. She goes adventuring to amazing places such as Iceland, Hawaii and Morocco, and grabs any opportunity she can to travel!

Chelsea was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10 and was lucky enough to attend Camp Carowanis, a camp in Quebec for kids with diabetes. Growing up, Chelsea was an avid sailor and was also into horseback riding and rugby. At the age of 14 Chelsea’s family moved to Honduras, and since then she has become passionate about traveling and seeing the world.
What keeps you in Motion?

Chelsea enjoys running, hiking and also likes to try new activities. She has recently discovered a love of surfing, and she also recently went skydiving…searching for the thrill of a lifetime! She keeps fit through spinning classes, gym boot camp, hiking and getting outside to run around whenever she can. Her interests range from djembe drumming to pancake making.

Words of ‘Betes Wisdom

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.