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May 5, 2020

At JDRF, we know that when it comes to fighting against type 1 diabetes (T1D), there is strength in numbers.

As a JDRF Advocate YOU can bring together people who have been affected by T1D, who want to make their voices heard and work together to build bonds with Members of Parliament, as well as provincial and municipal officials in order to drive change, influence the shape of policy and help new treatments reach the community, moving us closer to a world without T1D.

As an advocate, we need your help. In order to grow and have more people take important actions for those living with T1D, we ask that you reach out to friends and family today to join you as a T1D advocate by:

1. Asking your network to help build and sustain critical support for T1D research and raise awareness among decisionmakers of the financial, medical and emotional costs of the disease by becoming a JDRF Advocate.
2. Sharing our advocacy page with a personal message from you using the hashtag #WhyIAdvocate.
3. Sharing this blog on your networks.

As we strengthen our community together, we’ll be able to accelerate the pace of type 1 research.

Now YOU can invite others to use their voice to help secure continued Federal funding for important diabetes research, inform health and regulatory policy, and improve the quality of life for those affected by T1D – until we find a cure.

It’s because of the work that advocates like you do, we are able to drive change. Let’s carry this momentum forward and work toward a world without T1D.

May 5, 2020

35-year old Jenna Basson from the Pas, Manitoba was amongst the volunteer team sharing their personal stories at the Manitoba Legislature last March 11^th as they advocated for the provincial government to extend insulin pump coverage beyond the age of 18.

As a young professional, Basson would love the opportunity to better manage her type 1 diabetes and lower her A1C levels through the usage of an insulin pump, but the costs are just too high for her to be able to afford one. “The cost has always been so much that I could never afford it,” she said. “Over the years I’ve looked at the different options that are available, but they still remain inaccessible and unaffordable. Having this coverage would be life changing!”

The incredible volunteer advocates spent the day at the Manitoba Legislature on March 11^th alongside JDRF’s advocacy team to demand #AccessForAll. The day consisted of a morning training session for advocates, followed by individual MLA meetings, culminating with an evening reception in the Legislature’s Golden Boy Dining Room co-hosted by philanthropist and long-time JDRF supporter Mrs. Tannis Richardson and JDRF President and CEO Dave Prowten.

JDRF’s message to the government was straightforward and simple: Manitobans with type 1 diabetes at all ages need access to insulin pumps. Investing in an insulin pump program for all will not only benefit patients, but it will also be a win for taxpayers with proven reductions in direct healthcare costs and complications. This means a significant reduction in emergency room visits and hospitalizations which has long been a priority for the government. The unfortunate reality is that Manitoba is lagging behind other provinces, with BC having recently joined Ontario, Alberta and the three territories in covering the cost of insulin pumps for all ages.

The team was met with lots of support from both government and opposition members, with over 50% of MLA’s who took meetings and attended the evening reception. “While there is still work to do, it feels like we were heard despite competing priorities,” Basson added.

In 2021, we’ll celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the discovery of insulin; a discovery by Canadian researchers Frederick Banting and Charles Best that changed the lives of millions of people around the world. Announcing pump coverage for all in Manitoba would be an amazing way to recognize and celebrate this incredible contribution.

Until then, we continue to advocate and push for #AccessForAll.

Help us advocate for full insulin pump coverage in Manitoba by sending a letter to your representative today.

May 5, 2020

Tannis Richardson is a spirited woman who has devoted much of her life to local and charitable causes while touching countless lives. A founding member of JDRF’s Winnipeg chapter (1971) and founder of its annual A Starry Starry Night Gala, the nonagenarian is renowned in Western Canada for her extraordinary volunteerism and dedication to arts, health and cultural associations.

Giving back to others has been a way of life since Tannis was a young girl growing up in Winnipeg. Her parents were always community-minded, with her surgeon father establishing the first collective medical facility, the Winnipeg Clinic, and her mother lending support to various organizations. “My parents were extremely wonderful role models,” recalls Tannis.

Tannis’s first volunteer experience was with the Humpty Dumpty Club at the Winnipeg General Hospital. Each Saturday she would accompany her father to the hospital to play with, and read to, the young patients in the children’s ward while he completed his rounds. She would later become a volunteer nurse’s aide during WWII, which was also very rewarding.

“I’ve had experiences that I treasure,” remarks Tannis. “Through the journey in life one experiences encounters with strangers that you don’t expect to have, which enrich your own life and hopefully does the same for them.”

When it was discovered that one of their four children had type 1 diabetes (T1D), Tannis and her husband, George, found themselves thrust into unfamiliar territory, which would soon see them become catalysts of change. Diagnosed at the age of nine, their daughter, Pamela, fought a valiant battle against a disease that was not well known at the time and had few supports in place within Canada’s healthcare system.

“It is high time we had coverage because it is a dreadful burden to put on people. I am encouraged by the support that JDRF is giving to families and that type 1 diabetes is better understood by the general public.”

“There was very little communication about Pamela’s treatment in the medical field back then,” Tannis recalls. “We were required to go from one hospital to another and there were few to support us besides our family and friends because communication between different health services was lacking regarding type 1 diabetes.”

Pamela died at the age of 29 from complications of T1D. Not long after, Tannis and George attended a Toronto gala for JDF (now JDRF) where they met Helaine Shiff, another JDRF Canada founder, who challenged them with: “What are you going to do in Winnipeg?”

Shortly after returning home, Tannis and George attended a function where they met CBC entertainer, Donald Ferguson. In conversation he turned to Tannis to ask, “What are WE going to do about JDF in Winnipeg?” Tannis replied with, “Who are WE?” To which Donald replied, “CBC and you.”

In 1987 CBC was bringing the Royal Canadian Air Farce to Winnipeg and Donald suggested that JDRF should sell the tickets with the proceeds going to support juvenile diabetes research.

“With the Canadian Air Farce as entertainment we made $64,000 that night,” Tannis remembers fondly. “About half the committee had no diabetes in their family, and I was amazed by how many friends came to help. They were incredible people and it was a very special time.”

The following year the committee organized Winnipeg’s first JDRF gala, A Starry Starry Night, which was held at the plaza at City Hall. Today, some 33 years later, the annual gala remains one of Winnipeg’s premier events.

Tannis has chaired JDRF’s local fundraising committee and served on the National Executive Committee and Board of Chancellors, as well as with JDRF International. Forever keen, she remains committed to helping those with T1D. Currently, Manitoba only covers insulin pumps for people with T1D under 18 years of age. As a result, Tannis continues to work towards securing free coverage for insulin pumps for all Manitobans.

“It is high time we had coverage because it is a dreadful burden to put on people,” she says. “I am encouraged by the support that JDRF is giving to families and that type 1 diabetes is better understood by the general public.”

Asked about the social footprint she would like to leave, Tannis keeps it simple. “I would like to be remembered as being approachable and caring about others’ well-being. I don’t like to be called a philanthropist because everyone can be aphilanthropist by giving of their time and support to others.”

Which brings Tannis to one of her favourite memories that she has “treasured in  her heart” throughout the years. It was in 1988, the morning of the first A Starry Starry Night Gala, and committee members were setting up at City Hall. A woman making her way down the steps to the plaza asked Tannis what was happening. Tannis replied “…that a wonderful evening was in store and that everyone attending would be donating towards finding a cure for type 1 diabetes.” The woman hesitated a moment before opening her well-worn purse. Taking out a dollar bill, she handed it to Tannis and said, “I hope this helps you find a cure for diabetes.”

“I remember thinking, philanthropy comes in many forms,” says Tannis. “As the woman walked away, tears came to my eyes and I thought that this person has given what she was able for the betterment of others, which is the definition of philanthropy.”

 

May 5, 2020

Islet transplantation is offered at selected, specialized hospitals as a treatment option for patients with difficult-to-control type 1 diabetes (T1D). The procedure involves isolating islet cells from one or more donor pancreases and transplanting them into the liver of a person with severe T1D. This therapy has been ground-breaking in recent years, and up to 50% of recipients are reportedly free from insulin injections up to five years post-transplant. Unfortunately, factors such as the scarcity of healthy human donor pancreases and the requirement of lifelong anti-rejection drugs pose great challenges to islet graft survival and patient quality of life. However, a new research project headed by Dr. Andrew Pepper – the recipient of JDRF’s 2019 Career Development Award – may help overcome some of the barriers that prevent islet replacement from becoming a readily available treatment for T1D. 

Dr. Pepper is a promising young Canadian scientist and a new assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Alberta. Along with his team, he is examining the underlying mechanisms that govern pancreatic beta cell survival and function, with the ultimate goal of developing islet replacement therapies that could become a universal treatment for a broader range of people living with T1D. This will be achieved through continued innovations in novel strategies to preserve beta cell mass, enhancing transplant therapies outside the liver and using stem cell-based insulin-producing cell sources.

“With the critical support of JDRF, my laboratory will strive to preserve the legacy of the Edmonton Protocol while ushering in a new era of cellular transplantation,” says Dr. Pepper.

“With the critical support of JDRF, my laboratory will strive to preserve the legacy of the Edmonton Protocol while ushering in a new era of cellular transplantation,” says Dr. Pepper.

“By reducing and potentially eliminating the need for life-long systemic immunosuppression, we hope to broaden the spectrum of T1D patients that can benefit from this life-alternating cellular therapy.”

Dr. Pepper was a JDRF postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. James Shapiro, who pioneered the Edmonton Protocol for islet transplantation, first reported in 2000. If successful, Dr. Pepper’s research could lead to further exciting contributions in the field of beta cell replacement such as improved efficiency of islet engraftment and the development of minimal immunosuppressive and tolerance approaches for implantation. At the same time, his work could foster a better understanding of islet death early in the course of T1D and contribute to approaches that aim to stop disease progression in recent onset disease. 

March 4, 2020

On March 11, 2020, advocates living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) will share with Manitoba Members of the Legislative Assembly their experience living with T1D and the importance of extending insulin pump coverage to people of all ages. Currently, in Manitoba, to qualify under the current insulin pump program, you must be under the age of 18.

Our Manitoba Lobby Day has been fundamental in securing government funding for T1D research and raising awareness. The delegates raise their voices as advocates, representing the millions of people living with T1D, and are empowered to continue to use their voice to make change. 

We’re so happy to share our 8 finalists with you – meet our 2020 Manitoba Lobby Day Delegates!

Click to view video submission	Tyler Polonuk Age: 17 From: East Saint Paul, MB
	Ashlynn Argo​ Age: 16 From: Sunnyside, MB
Click to view video submission	Julia Hird Age: 19 From: Winnipeg, MB
	Ellen Karr Age: 71 From: Winnipeg, MB
Click here to view video submission	Leah Wiebe Age: 54 From: Steinbach, MB
	Jenna Basson Age: 34 From: The Pas, MB
	Spencer Christie Age: 19 From: Winnipeg, MB
Click here to view video submission	Noah Silvaggio Age: 17 From: Winnipeg, MB

Take part in our lobby days by signing up to become a JDRF Advocate. Your voice will help advocate for T1D research and raise awareness about the T1D community.

For more information about JDRF 2020 Manitoba Lobby Day visit breakthrought1d.ca/advocacy

March 3, 2020

*Note: as of March 3, JDRF Canada welcomes the release of the Standing Committee on Finance’s report and its recommendations to address the diabetes epidemic. Read the press release here*

JDRF President and CEO Dave Prowten testified recently in front of the Standing Committee on Finance as part of their 2020 Pre-Budget Consultations. Also appearing on JDRF’s behalf was Angie Sullivan, parent of a child with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The pair delivered a powerful and compelling testimony in support of our 2020 budget recommendations as well as a new CIHR proposal from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to celebrate the 2021 anniversary of the discovery of insulin by creating a $100 million diabetes research fund.

Check out their testimonies below!

March 4, 2020

She was the youngest person in the room, and her presentation was met with resounding applause from the entire audience. Fourteen-year old Anne Pettigrew made an impressive and compelling presentation at last month’s Ontario pre-budget consultations in Scarborough.

Anne presented JDRF’s #AccessforAll recommendation to the Minister of Finance Rod Philips,  Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho, and local Member of Provincial Parliament Aris Babikian by telling her story of how the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) has saved her life on more than one occasion. 

“My family is able to make sacrifices to choose to afford this [device] for me. But not everybody has that luxury. Type 1’s who cannot make the sacrifices still need the technology, still need health security and still deserve life. And CGM’s save lives.”

What is the pre-budget submission process and why is it important?

Ahead of the Budget cycle each year, Ontarians are invited to submit their thoughts, ideas, and recommendations to inform the provincial budget. The government provides several opportunities where individuals, businesses, and organizations can engage in this process. Written submissions, oral presentations, survey responses, and general comments are accepted in late Fallearly Winter, before the official Budget is released in the Spring. This is an important opportunity to tell the government directly about what matters most to the over 96,000 people who live with T1D in the province.

Recognizing this as an opportunity to have our collective voice heard, JDRF also submitted a written recommendation to ensure our request is considered.

Anne’s remarks not only indicated the importance of how advanced glucose monitors help people live better, but how this investment makes financial sense for the government as well. Severe hypoglycemia alone costs our Ontario health care system more than $5 million annually, adding to the hallway health care problem. Funding these technologies addresses an unmet medical need and is crucial to ending hallway medicine by reducing the economic burden that diabetes imposes on our healthcare system.

Anne’s full presentation below.

Now it’s your turn. Tell your representative how provincial funding for CGM and FGM devices will help people with type 1 diabetes live healthier, easier, safer lives. Click here to send them a message now – and join the movement.

                                        This blog is sponsored by

February 27, 2020

Fifteen-year-old Kamilla Kozuback recalls fighting back tears as she successfully landed her final jump at the 2020 Youth Olympic Games this past January, placing eighth as one of the youngest snowboarders in the competition to ever represent Canada. 

It was only two years before this when she was given her first dose of insulin, receiving an official diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), and asking the doctor if she’d ever be able to snowboard again.

“It was the first thing I wanted to know…whether I’d be able to snowboard or compete again,” she said. “It was all I could think about.”

With the support of her mother, Brigitta – who as a nurse was able to diagnose her daughter after observing her symptoms back in 2017 – Kamilla did everything in her power to take control of her disease, ensuring that nothing would get in the way of her dream of being a competitive snowboarder.

“She was not afraid… after we got home from the hospital, she grabbed the syringe from my hand and said ‘let me do it,’” her mom recalls. “That was when I knew she’d be okay.”

Kamilla’s life did a 180 degree turn that July 1^st. She was met with incredible amounts of adversity, but says she saw it as an opportunity to work harder towards her aspirations of being a professional snowboarder. She woke up every morning, trained at the gym – lifting weights, maintaining her cardio – all with her new diagnosis of T1D on her back.

With her mother being a nurse, she was able to talk openly about her disease and track her blood sugar levels with her support – monitoring how different activities affected her diabetes.

It wasn’t until her trip to Switzerland in January, though, where she felt her hard work and determination paid off. Kamilla had been selected to represent Canada in the Youth Olympic snowboarding games.

“I was hit with a wave of happiness, I don’t even have the words,” she said. “It was the most amazing thing, to be there, to compete and be one of the youngest girls in the competition.”

All while managing T1D.

“I tell Kamilla all the time, it’s ok to have bad days, it’s ok to be upset. But turn that into motivation…I was so happy to see her land that jump and compete in Switzerland…It was unbelievable.”

Today, Kamilla continues to work on managing her disease alongside her mom, and a Syberian Husky who also has T1D.

“I want to be in the next Olympics,” she says. “I’m going to keep working hard, and training all I can…despite my diabetes.”

February 10, 2020