In 2009 Ernie was diagnosed with Diabetes. The diagnosis launched a battle with the Canadian Forces that lasted nearly two years. During this time, he launched a Diabetic initiative called Gliding Thru Barriers where he skied across Lake Winnipeg (two years in a row) in an effort to raise awareness of LADA Diabetes and to prove that any barriers can be broken down with passion and motivation. He raised over $12,000 for CDA at the time and his story prompted CDA to write a feature on Ernie, asked him to be the spokesperson for the AGM, and included his son Tristan as the face of their annual report in 2012.

In the end Ernie changed military laws about how the CF viewed diabetic members but still resulted in his forced retirement after 24 years. This devastated Ernie and the trauma that ensued began another battle, this time with mental illness and addiction and lasting for the rest of his life. Ernie passed away on April 9, 2024 from Diabetes Ketoacidosis and has left behind so many people who loved him, including his (almost) 16 year old son Tristan.

In honour of Sgt Ernie Whelan (ret) 1971-2024, we are collecting donations in support of Diabetes Canada.