Ariane has always been driven by a deep passion for various interests, making passion the core around which her life revolves. When she embraced sports and outdoor activities, Ariane discovered the immense joy and fulfillment that nature brings, even as it presented challenges in managing her diabetes. This engagement with nature and physical activity has cultivated a dynamic relationship where her enthusiasm not only sustains her resilience but also deepens her understanding and capability to navigate health challenges effectively.

A native of North Carolina, Bob grew up among the fields, forests, mountains, and coast of his home state. Diagnosed as Type 1 diabetes on his 10th birthday, Bob continued living his life and integrating diabetes into everything he does. He and his wife, Jenn, are raising two children. Professionally, Bob works with the University of North Carolina to support the University's mission to discover, create, transmit, and apply knowledge to address the needs of individuals and society. He enjoys reading, sketching, rambling, and messing around outside.

Caitlin was born and raised on a small island off the west coast of Washington state and matured amidst the bustling streets of New York City. Identifying as a weirdo, nomad, artist, actor, and activist, Caitlin is dedicated to making the world a better place, one day and one project at a time. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at the age of 8, the condition has profoundly shaped every aspect of her identity and purpose over 24 years, instilling lessons on what truly matters and what is worth fighting for.

CJ was raised in Newfoundland on the Avalon Peninsula, alongside his sister, under the supportive guidance of their parents. Both CJ and his sister were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as kids, but their parents encouraged them to pursue their dreams, no matter how ambitious. CJ's passion for learning prompted a move to Ontario for graduate school in 2015, and he's now working towards his third academic degree while maintaining a voracious reading habit. This love of learning has been matched by a desire to help others, guiding CJ through various career transitions and community volunteer work, as he seeks roles that align with his ethical and scholarly interests. CJ currently works full time as a research associate and part-time as an astronomy educator. Concurrently, CJ is focusing on achieving a healthier work-life balance by spending more quality time outdoors with his partner and their dog, Chip.

Erica has always possessed a unique perspective on luck and fortune, often responding to suggestions to buy a lottery ticket with, "I don't need to buy one because I have already won!" This outlook stems from her gratefulness for being adopted as a baby from Romania by incredibly loving parents who brought her to Canada. She realized early on that she was given a chance to make a positive impact in the world. Erica's childhood was filled with a deep passion for the outdoors, camping, and animals, which eventually guided her towards a career in environmentalism. Her desire to help others was ignited while assisting her mom in her home daycare as a teenager, a flame that has continued to burn brightly into her adult life, as she volunteers in her community whenever possible. Diagnosed with diabetes later in life, in April 2020, Erica's positive outlook remains unshaken. She challenges any notion that her life is any less of a "winning lottery ticket" by highlighting the strength and camaraderie found within the Type 1 diabetes community.

Gareth discovered his love for hiking at the age of 16 during a trip to the mountains of New Mexico. This passion has since taken him on adventures across the UK, Switzerland, Arizona, Iceland, and, naturally, Canada. For Gareth, diabetes is a daily chore rather than an obstacle to his ambitions; it's just another hiccup in his routine. He thrives on challenges, using them as a source of strength and focus. Now, at the age of 61, Gareth's eagerness to hike and explore is stronger than ever.

Lemma discovered her affection for the outdoors right around the time she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. It seemed like an unlikely pairing at first, but she needed an outlet and a distraction from her diagnosis, and the outdoors was available and calling out to her. Over the past nearly 20 years, Lemma's love for the outdoors has only grown, as has her comfort with living with T1D. She has faced many ups and downs managing outdoor activities with her condition, but she keeps returning to it because it has become her comfort place while navigating the weight and complexity of living with T1D.

Growing up in Central New Jersey as a competitive gymnast, Lissie's life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with type one diabetes at age 19, forcing her to completely redefine her understanding of strength. This redefinition deepened with an additional diagnosis of Crohn's disease four years later. After years of identifying gaps in the healthcare system, Lissie turned to a holistic approach, diving deeper into aspects of her career, relationships, environment, and overall wellness. This shift led to a significant improvement in her health, lowering her A1C and putting her Crohn's disease into remission, where it has remained. Through this journey, Lissie learned the true meaning of health. This realization inspired the creation of Needles and Spoons Health & Wellness, a platform dedicated to supporting other women in redefining strength and health on their own terms.

Morganne, a former university and national team rugby player, is now navigating the challenges and joys of motherhood with the added twist of living with Type 1 Diabetes. Embracing the various changes this stage of life brings, Morganne is open to people and experiences that contribute to her growth. As a Physical Education teacher, she is dedicated to demonstrating to her students the importance of integrating physical activity and outdoor experiences into their daily lives. Furthermore, Morganne is passionate about destigmatizing diabetes, aiming to change perceptions and educate others about the condition.

Nora was diagnosed with diabetes in 2021 at the age of 34, an event that profoundly altered her perspective on life. This diagnosis prompted her to take a sabbatical from her job, during which time she built a campervan and embarked on a journey around the United States in 2022. After nearly a decade of working as a public defender in Miami, Nora recently took a bold step by opening her own law firm in 2023. This year, she is eagerly anticipating a return to physical activities, with a particular focus on reigniting her passion for triathlons, a hobby she had set aside since her diagnosis. In addition to her professional and athletic pursuits, Nora is an enthusiastic lover of books and a big fan of cats.

Raised in Orange County, California, Valeria Luong, a second-generation Mexican American, was the first in her family to attend college and travel. Despite facing health challenges from a young age, Valeria was inspired to push beyond perceived limitations. Her love for culture and adventure, combined with a passion for community and giving back, led her to join the United States Peace Corps after college. While serving in Costa Rica at age 24, Valeria was diagnosed with type one diabetes, a turn that brought her back to the United States to navigate life with the condition.

Choosing to lead a life undominated by diabetes, Valeria immersed herself in the diabetes community, becoming a pivotal figure. But first, she jumped on a plane and traveled throughout Central and South America to connect with her new diagnosis in a way that would build her confidence. Valeria knew if she could jump on a plane and head to unknown places alone while navigating the challenges of living with diabetes, nothing would be off limits.

Three years post-diagnosis, Valeria became a Diabetes Health Coach and the Women’s Wellness Coach at Needles and Spoons Health & Wellness, coaching women with type one diabetes since 2020. She also contributes to The Diabetes Link, supporting young adults living with diabetes. Valeria's leadership in the diabetes space aims to help others overcome obstacles, redefine living with diabetes, and inspire a life without limits.

Amy Burrows is an experienced CIM Guide and a key member of the diabetes community, having lived with type one diabetes for 30 years. Based in Beaverton, Ontario, Amy is passionate about the outdoors, especially canoe tripping with her friends, family, fellow type ones, and her dog, Caius. Professionally, she works in dentistry in Uxbridge as a Level 2 assistant and treatment coordinator. Amy's commitment to the diabetes community is highlighted by her early involvement with Connected in Motion (CIM), being part of the inaugural 2016 CIM Adventure Team. Her dedication to empowering those with diabetes is evident through her work and adventures.

When he isn’t day dreaming about ripping down a mountain in knee deep powder, you can find Hank behind a camera. His passion for film and media began when he was a young child– seeing blockbuster films had him hooked. Whether it’s on a mountain, or inside a studio, the need to tell a story through images consumes his time. His love for the outdoors and filmmaking collide head on in his role with Connected in Motion as their video producer.

Jen Hanson, a registered kinesiologist, certified teacher, and wilderness guide, is a key figure in the Type 1 diabetes community. With a Master's degree in Education focusing on experiential diabetes education, Jen serves as the Executive Director of Connected in Motion, where she creates outdoor adventures for adults with Type 1 diabetes. Her efforts extend to working with Children with Diabetes, Beyond Type 1, and the International Diabetes Federation. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1987, Jen's personal adventures, including significant treks like the West Coast Trail and the Inca Trail, illustrate her belief in the power of community and outdoor activity in diabetes management. Jen's work exemplifies her commitment to enhancing the lives of those living with diabetes through adventure and education