Her Community

You know your a mom of a type 1 diabetic when you would rather spend your FRIDAY night out with your husband talking about blood sugar and activity with some amazing type 1's.

This Friday night I had the wonderful privileged of attending a talk with Dr Riddell, Chris Jarvis and Dessi Zaharieva.  The focus of this event was type 1 diabetes and exercise.  Many of you may know of my dream of Cara becoming our little track star.  So I thought that this would be a great start in supporting her in fulfilling OUR dream. (a little parent joke lol)  

Dr. Riddell, an expert in diabetes and activity has researched, studied and written about the effects activity has on diabetes.  He has also developed a sports camp with the help of the Diabetes Hope Foundation for children with type 1 diabetes out of York University.  The camps offers young people with type 1 diabetes (ages 8-16) exciting learning opportunities in a variety of sport disciplines.

Here are a few videos about this wonderful camp 

 

While Dr. Riddell talked to the parents, Chris Jarvis (type 1 and Olympic gold medalist in rowing) and Dessi Zaharieva (type 1,  2nd degree black belt and winner of a  gold medal at the Canadian Championships) took the kids to play.  Our kids had a great time with these two very inspirational type 1's.  There were a few lows BUT that was OK, everyone had a wonderful time.


But the most predominate thing that I took away from this night was that this disease, type 1 diabetes, with all it's hardships and all it's negative qualities will also be giving Cara something that she would never have had without it...COMMUNITY.

She is part of a community.  She may not know it right now but weather it be the elite athletic type 1 community, a local type 1 community or a global blogging community she will form relationships, friendship and family because of type 1 diabetes.

This is very comforting to me, I'm excited for her to venture out and find her path in these communities that she would never had known if it were not for D.

I Challenge Diabetes is a not-for-profit charity and founded by Chris Jarvis.

"we are focused on supporting the needs of people living with diabetes today.  Through experiential education and creative problem solving, we aspire to add a stronger level of community support that meets each individual’s developmental and motivational needs. We create programs that target common problems and develop new solutions to stabilizing our blood sugars utilizing modern technology, education and teamwork.  We confront social issues and refuse to accept any set-back without a fight.  We are passionate about getting out there, connecting with others and stirring the diabetes community". (taken from the I Challenge Diabetes website) 

Connor, Chris, Kylie, Dessi and Cara