Hi friends and family,
2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin – a Canadian life-saving achievement in world health. Research continues here in Canada for a cure for those living with diabetes.
This year marks my 50th anniversary of living with Type 1 diabetes - a special milestone. When I was diagnosed in 1975, I was told by the medical staff who were educating me about my disease that I would start losing kidney function, losing my eye sight and losing the feeling in my hands and feet by the time I was 20 years old (1985). This didn’t happen. Fifty years later I’m still here and relatively healthy - walking, running, cycling and reading over 100 books a year (eye sight is still good!).
I am once again motivated to raise funds for Diabetes Canada because I am living proof that the research dollars invested in diabetes have made a huge difference to those living with diabetes. Advancements over the years have made it much easier to manage diabetes and medical research is in need of funding.
Diabetes Canada plays a key role in funding research, advocating for access to care, and providing programs for children & their families for self-management. One in 3 Canadians have diabetes or pre-diabetes. More funding is needed to curb this trend and support the growing number of Canadians requiring support to manage the disease.
I have taken up the challenge to help raise needed funds by walking or running in 50 parks this summer to mark each year as a reminder of how grateful I am for medical advancements because I’m still able to do it. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to Diabetes Canada as this is a virtual event.
No amount is too small. If diabetes is a charity you support, please consider sponsoring me for this very worthwhile cause.
Thanks, Leslie Ann
Did you know that diabetes significantly increases risks for other diseases? In Canada, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and contributes to 30% of strokes, 40% of heart attacks, 50% of kidney failure requiring dialysis, and 70% of all non-traumatic foot and leg amputations.
- Leslie Ann
