• Hear updates: learn about the new resources and programs available from Diabetes Canada
• Be inspired: hear the "why we Lace Up" stories from the diabetes community
• Get active: have fun with some easy at home exercises to keep you moving
• Have fun: be entertained by the diabetes community showing their passion through music or comedy
• Celebrate success: recognize participants, donors and sponsors for their support

Dr. Gregory Steinberg

I'm Lacing Up for the next generation of diabetes researchers

To help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin in 2021, I want to raise money to fund the next generation of diabetes researchers in Canada. We have tremendous talent in Canada, but researchers need more funding to fuel the discovery of new treatments that will revolutionize the way we treat diabetes. Growing up in the Brantford, Ont., in the '70s, one of my earliest and fondest memories was biking around my neighbourhood with my parents. My plan is to ride 8,000 km (the equivalent of crossing Canada), completing on average 100 km per day for 80 days. My family will assist me in achieving this goal by also riding or running with me. We hope to raise money to help fund the next breakthrough discovery in diabetes [so it can happen in Canada] like it did 100 years ago.

Allan

I'm Lacing Up for my brother Brad, a T1D warrior

I want to raise funds to help researchers' find better solutions for people living type 1 and 2 diabetes. My challenge theme is the 4, 4, 4, which means running 4km, every 4 hours, for 4 days, 96 km in 96 hours. When I first talked about this idea my brother was excited and went on to create a run logo that features the Golden Boy, here in Manitoba it symbolizes a brighter future. My goal is to raise $10,000 and with the help of my friends and family I know my journey will be supported. Come Lace Up with me!

Mallory

I'm Lacing Up to find a cure

I was diagnosed with T1D two days before my 24th birthday, and I had no idea what to do. It hit me like a ton of bricks, but with the support of friends and family and the resources from Diabetes Canada I have managed to navigate my way through. As I approached my second “diaversity” I feel a lot more prepared and have met some pretty incredible people along the way! I’m excited to Lace Up because I hope there is cure found in my lifetime.

Mark Woolley

I'm Lacing Up for the aspiring young athletes living with type 1 diabetes

I am a defenseman for Owen Sound Attack in the Ontario Hockey League. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 and I am determined to do my part to help raise funds and spread awareness in support of others who live with the disease. I launched Woolley's Warriors (WW28) - a nonprofit organization that hopes to conquer diabetes by supporting and creating awareness for young athletes living every day with type 1 diabetes. I not only created WW28 with the goal of sending kids to Diabetes Canada D-Camps, but to ultimately connect those living with diabetes through sharing my story, while building a platform for others to share theirs. To date, WW28 and I have donated over $35,000 to Diabetes Canada. Lace Up for Diabetes is a fun way for the community to get involved and stay active.

Rainier

I'm Lacing Up to help inspire Elders, kids and families to move together

As an Indigenous person I want to be a powerful example for those who might feel isolated or scared. I come from a family of diabetics, and a community where many people suffer from the disease. Diabetes is scary but seems manageable when you have the right people showing you the way and inspiring you. Diabetes can be very overwhelming and it’s not just your sugars, but the other nasty things that can come with it, including mental health issues. I think a lot of people struggle alone and are uncertain of what to do about it. In my culture the way to help is always through community and love, we need to make our circles bigger and bring in those who are having a hard time. We need to be there for each other and get moving together.

April

I'm Lacing Up to reduce my risk

I was 32 weeks pregnant with my second child when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I surprised both the endocrinologist and my obstetrician as I didn’t meet the usual risk factors for type 2. My previous pregnancy, my son was only 7lbs, 3oz and I've always maintained a healthy weight. However, a number of family members; my dad, uncles, and grandmother all had type 2 diabetes. Even with the help of a dietitian and a great support team I just couldn’t maintain my blood sugars so I was put on insulin. I was told after my daughter was born I would no longer have diabetes but at 5 months postpartum I was diagnosed with prediabetes and only 0.1 away from a full diagnosis. It is extremely apparent that diabetes is in my genes so I chose to Lace Up so I can reduce the risk of letting my genetics determine my future.

Kendra

I'm Lacing Up in support of my friends and family affected by diabetes

As a Pharmacist, I've encountered and supported many people with diabetes during my career. My goal is to learn as much I can, so I can provide the best care professionally and advocate for those in need. Diabetes hit home for me personally when my nephew was diagnosed with type 1 shortly after his 9th birthday. To this day I am still in awe and so proud of him for taking control of his diabetes and educating himself so he can live his best life - just recently he made the provincial snowboarding team! As I begin my fitness journey with Lace Up I will continue to be mindful of why I’m out walking/running. It is important for me to honour those that live with diabetes each and every day. My goal is to have fun, stay positive, interact "virtually" with my team members, and support this exciting initiative.

Dr. Delilah Topic

I'm Lacing Up in support of/to fund more advanced treatments for me and others living with diabetes

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1993 at age 14. The disease is something I think about every minute of every day, but I have not let it run my life. Since my diagnosis, I have remained focused on high-level academic and athletic goals: I graduated at the top of my class at medical school at the University of Toronto. Today, I am a medical oncologist, or cancer doctor, in Kelowna, B.C. I am also an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. My other passion is competitive running, and I have represented Canada at numerous events, including the 2013 World Master Games in Italy where I won a bronze medal in the 10-kilometre race. I work hard every day to keep my blood sugar in control. T1D is a disease that is difficult to live with, and we still have a long way to go towards optimal management. For me, running my virtual race is a fun way to raise money for such an important cause. My goal is to get as many friends involved as possible!