Local man raising $ for juvenile diabetes research
By Contributor
My oldest daughter, Jordan, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in mid-March of this year. Since then, we have learned a lot about diabetes and the reality that a cure is needed for the millions of Canadians who have this ‘inconvenience’ disease. As a result, I have decided to raise funds for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to help find a cure for the disease. I will be running my first triathlon on Aug. 1 in Nelson – the 28th Annual swim, bike and run Cyswog ‘n’ Fun Triathlon centered around beautiful Lakeside Park.
This triathlon continues to be an event for everyone from top-ranking amateurs to adult and youth participants who are entering for pure enjoyment. Through this event, I am hoping to raise in excess of $5,000 for JDRF and the fastest way is to allow people to make pledges via an online tool, as they can do this in the privacy of their home. In addition, I will be doing a media blitz the beginning of July to get the message out about Diabetes and the need for a cure for the millions of children and adults who are currently, or will be, living with Diabetes. We will also be soliciting neighborhoods for pledges as well.
Our hope is that, one day, there will be a cure for Type 1 Diabetes – where children and adults can live a long and productive life without being insulin dependent.
To pledge, click here.
Here are some interesting facts about diabetes: Diabetes Facts and Figures
- · Over 300,000 Canadian children and their families live with type 1 diabetes. The number of people living with type 1 diabetes is increasing by three to five per cent annually – and the greatest rise is in children aged five to nine years of age;
- · It is estimated that over 3 million Canadians have some form of diabetes (nine per cent of the Canadian population);
- · According to the International Diabetes Foundation, the worldwide population affected by diabetes (both type 1 and 2) is now 285 million, and will rise to 435 million by 2030;
- · By 2020, CDA estimates that diabetes will cost the Canadian healthcare system $16.9 billion a year;
- · Canada has the sixth-highest incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in children 14 years of age or younger in the world;
- · Globally, every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes.
