This summer a group of adults set out to complete the North Coast Trail – a challenging trek around the northern tip of Vancouver Island. A place only accessible by boat, home to the densest population of black bears and cougars on the continent, and known for its knee-deep mud, vertical climbs, and ankle twisting cobblestone beaches. And did we mention, this wasn’t just any group of adults? Each of the trekkers lives with Type 1 diabetes and was demonstrating a life without limits in a world where the terms diabetes, disability, and chronic illness are coupled with ‘can’t’, ‘shouldn’t’ and ‘better not’s.
Over 10 days, the team came together to help redefine Type 1 diabetes and show the world that we can, should, and most definitely will. Although never the intention, it was humbling to realize that diabetes was the very least of our worries in our days filled with cougar carcasses, tidal pinch-points, and rope rappels. Diabetes came easy. Perhaps it was because we were surrounded by the people who get it most – our slipstream was small but oh so powerful.
Thanks to their efforts, they have raised close to $25,000 for Connected in Motion and helped to redefine Type 1 diabetes. They are empowered by adventure.
Thank you to Summit Sponsors, Animas Canada, Medtronic Canada, BD Canada and Briden Solutions for supporting Connected in Motion on this adventure. Because of their commitment, 100% of the proceeds raised through this project were funneled back into supporting the community.
