And that’s a wrap on Western Slipstream 2023! The weekend was a fantastic mixture of learning, laughter, and fostering connections. Read on to find out all that happened at this gathering of the Type 1 diabetes community.
Our event was graced by the presence of our amazing Slipstream Leads, Tina Brown and Julie De Vos. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes (and in front of them!) ensured that Western Slipstream 2023 was an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Tina and Julie, for your unwavering dedication to our community. Your effort combined with the support from our wonderful volunteers—Kyle Howard, Sarah Ketcheson, and Angela Von Krogh—made this event possible. A huge THANK YOU to all of you for making this weekend one for the books.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, Tandem Diabetes Care, represented by Teri Currie, and Dexcom, represented by Ethan Robson. Their unwavering support played a crucial role in bringing this event to life.
Now, let’s dive into the memorable moments of the weekend!
Hot Topics was a hit, sparking enlightening discussions about relationships, sex, intimacy, substances, stress, mental health, and tricky nutrition. There were great conversations and many laughs, showing the power of our collective spirit. Jane’s presentation on “Exercise, T1D, and the Menstrual Cycle” provided invaluable information for women of all ages in the group, illuminating the intricate relationship between exercise, T1D, and the menstrual cycle.
Dr. Peter Senior’s session on new adjunctive therapies for T1D was not only educational but also showcased his fire-starting skills. He was the one person who came the closest to starting a fire with a bow drill. Go Peter!
Our group hike up Solo Hill to the lookout offered a stunning view of the mountains, and the Aspen trees made the journey all the more beautiful. We managed to snap a group picture just before the rain started—a memento of the adventure.
Running charades ended in a toss-up, but each team will tell you they officially won. The healthy competition and team spirit added a fun dimension to the event.
And who can forget the campfire? Our inner songbirds were released, and both Philippa (The Bear song) and Sarah (the joke song) led camp songs for us. Jane kicked things off with a groaner and ended with a crowd pleaser! Tina’s pirate joke had everyone in stitches: “What is a pirate’s favourite insulin? Humalin Rrrrrrr.”
The mindfulness and goal-setting sessions, led by Brooke from Diabetes Sangha, were a hit with the group. Ending with a group tree pose, these sessions brought a sense of calm and focus amid the bustling weekend.
These insightful presentations and discussions served as a reminder that while we were having fun, we were also there to learn and grow together. Our Slipstream events are all about striking the perfect balance between knowledge-sharing, personal growth, community building, and, of course, fun!
As we close the chapter on our Western Slipstream 2023 event, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who was part of this remarkable journey. From our leads Tina Brown and Julie De Vos, our volunteers Kyle Howard, Sarah Ketcheson, Angela Von Krogh, to our supporting partners Tandem Diabetes Care, Dexcom, and Diabetes Sangha, every contribution helped shape an unforgettable experience.
A huge thank you to each one of you in our community, who bring their unique light and energy, enriching our Slipstream family. We’re eagerly anticipating our next gathering, where we can continue to create shared memories, learn together, and deepen our collective strength. Until then, goodbye to Western Slipstream 2023, and we’ll see you in 2024!
Looking forward to more Slipstream events? Want to check out our upcoming Adventures? Check out our event page, here!
Thank you to our Western Slipstream sponsors
