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?

Q. What’s your story?
A. I’ve had diabetes for 9 years now.  I was on the pump years ago then went to MDI and now trying to go back on the pump! Exhausting! I’m currently finishing my Psychology degree at the University of Ottawa.  I am in love with sports (hockey, soccer, rugby, baseball, basketball, volleyball etc. etc. etc.) and anything to do with staying active including outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking and FISHING!  My family has been the biggest support of all, they are a wonderful bunch that keep me smiling and going day to day.

Q. What was your insulin regime like when you were first diagnosed with diabetes?
A. At first, I was told ” ‘X’ amount of starch, fruits and vegetables”.  This included following strict times for snacks and meals.  Now, with MDI, I am taking two doses of Lantus a day with Humalog every time I eat.  This is all in hopes of one day being able to go on the Pump!

Q. What are the top 5 songs on your iTunes?
A. John Mayer – Vultures
Lupe Fiasco – Til I Get There
LCD Soundsystem – Daft Punk Is Playing at My House (London Session)
Duck Sauce – Barbara Streisand
Hollerado – Julliette

Q. What is the coolest thing you’ve done as a person with diabetes?
A. I have traveled to Rome, France and the United Kingdom (twice) all being diabetic which have been some of the best experiences of my life.  I would have to say my biggest accomplishment to date however, would be my 8 year streak as a counsellor and leader at Camp Banting.  Recently I have programmed, planned and implemented the Junior Leadership program which focuses on youth aged 14-15 with type-1 diabetes.  We teach the youth hard, outdoor skills such as survival techniques, fire building and orienteering.  In 2007, I had the honour of being named Male Counsellor of the year.  Camp Banting is my home away from home!

Q. What keeps you ‘in motion’?
A. Currently, I am playing hockey at least 2 times a week (sometimes up to 3 times a week!).  In the winter I am able to go to the outdoor rinks, whenever school is willing to let me go.  The summer brings much of the same and I am able to keep enjoying hockey at least once a week.  I have played lots of rugby in the past and was captain and MVP of my high school team.  That same year I was named to the Eastern all-star team, and continued to play club for a U18 city team.
In the summer, I enjoy camping when time permits and I am able to escape.  If not, I enjoy fishing at my cottage for hours on end.  Not to mention any game of pick-up I can find – baseball, basketball, volleyball or tennis!

Follow Russell on Twitter: @BigrussT

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.

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.

Hometown
Toronto, Ontario

What’s your Story?
Michael was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 25 but lived almost six months prior as a type 2 following a misdiagnosis. Having graduated with a degree in Political Science, this revelation provided him with a more personalized connection to an issue that would allow him to share his grassroots energy and desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. Michael is currently working with the Canadian Diabetes Association in addition to being a part-time student at Ryerson University in the Nonprofit and Volunteer Management Certificate Program. On top of this, he still enjoys finding time to coach baseball, volunteer in the upcoming Toronto municipal election, and provide special project support to a start-up organization, Tennis in the City. He loves anything and everything that has to do with food, especially cooking, and still makes the trip to Kensington Market every weekend to grocery shop. His new downtown digs seamlessly cater to his eclectic tastes.

In no particular order the coolest things that Michael has done since being diagnosed are 1) having the honour of being the “Best Man” at his dad’s wedding 2) appearing in the Toronto Star and speaking at the CN Tower on World Diabetes Day as a Youth Advocate for the CDA 3) participating in the first annual Winter Slipstream and learning to love camp.

What keeps you ‘In Motion’?
Michael is a true athlete of all seasons at both the recreational and All-Star levels, although those moments seem more akin to days gone by. An avid hockey player still dreaming of taking that “one” celebrated shift in the big leagues. Name the venue: baseball, tennis, golf or rugby and he will meet you there.

Words of ‘Betes Wisdom.
There are so many and still collecting…

Despite the adversity, diabetes reawakened my senses and made me re-examine what it means to live life passionately and to embrace the unpredictable flow of each day with a sense of joy and happiness.

A universal thought that he has carried since high school:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.’ We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? … Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you… And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

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