I joined the Ontario Public Service (OPS) in 2023 as a Senior Policy Advisor with the Ministry of Transportation and am a strong advocate of Federated Health Charities. Before that I spent over a decade with the Canadian Diabetes Association (Diabetes Canada) in the nonprofit sector. Outside of work, I am passionate about food, culture, travel and volunteering. Staying active is important to me, and I participate in various sports, including playing with the inter-ministerial softball team, The Hounds, and dragon boating. This past summer, I completed my first sprint triathlon on Toronto Island!
My Journey with Diabetes
It all began with a misdiagnosis. Initially, doctors believed I had type 2 diabetes, recommending diet, exercise, and oral medication to manage my blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, which makes up 90% of diabetes cases in Canada, involves the body either not producing enough insulin or not using it effectively—a profile I didn’t fit. After months of frustration, it was determined that I had insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
I experienced all the common symptoms of diabetes—fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, and later, weight loss. Months later, on the eve of my 25th birthday, I received my type 1 diagnosis.
I went from a former all-star athlete to counting carbohydrates, monitoring my blood sugar levels eight-plus times a day and administering insulin four times a day. Despite the initial sadness and depression, there was a silver lining. One of the highlights following my diagnosis was being my dad’s Best Man. I drew inspiration from notable figures from sport and society living with diabetes.
I found hope, and gradually discovered strength in embracing this challenge, turning the question from “Why me?” to “Why not me?”
How Diabetes Canada Assisted Me
It wasn’t long after my diagnosis that I was introduced to Diabetes Canada through a Team Diabetes alumnus. Immersing myself in the organization, I resonated with its mission and values, recognizing it as a world-class leader offering a range of programs and services such as webinars, expos, and camps for children and youth with type 1 diabetes. I saw a place where my passion for advocacy could make a difference. As a Youth Advocate and later as a national employee with Diabetes Canada, I provided support, education, and coordinated the exercise fundraising program, Team Diabetes. This role allowed me to honour a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact. While self-management is critical to diabetes care, it was reassuring to know that a dedicated team at Diabetes Canada is always available to help.
Final Thoughts
As a final thought, I don’t tend to look too far into the future—I prefer to focus on the present. My dad has a funny saying whenever we travel: “We’ve made it this far.” While there’s certainly more work ahead, I’m hopeful that a cure is within reach. Reflecting on this journey, I’m grateful to Diabetes Canada and everyone involved for their support. Their efforts in raising awareness, advocating, and leading the fight against diabetes serve as a beacon of hope, bringing us closer to a world free from its effects.
Would you like to share your story with others about why you support Federated Health Charities? Do you know someone who would? Reach out to us at federated.health.charities@ontario.ca – we’d love to introduce you to your provincial government colleagues!
