The Halloween Howl & The Alberta Diabetes Foundation

About a month ago I was contacted by a friend and previous colleague to see if I would be interested in helping to organize a fundraising run for the Alberta Diabetes Foundation (ADF).  The event is to be held on Saturday October 25, 2014 in Edmonton and is in the spirit of Halloween (it is also held in Calgary on Sunday October 26).  It is called the Halloween Howl.  2014 marks the 4th year for this particular fundraising event.  They had been following my blog and asked if I would be willing to do a short five minute talk prior to the run.  The topic to discuss is "Debunking the Myths of Type 1 Diabetes".  They want me to talk a bit about the fact that I was diagnosed later in life, and despite this, have continued with my athletic goals.  Of course I said yes!

Firstly, what is the Alberta Diabetes Foundation? ADF exists because they are not afraid to take risks in the diabetes research they fund.  Canadians have always been very innovative in diabetes research, starting with the discovery of insulin.  A big breakthrough happened in Alberta when ADF funded the first successful islet transplant after other fundraising organizations refused to do so.  ADF continues to fund research here in Alberta with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for diabetes. 

The ADF works together with the world renowned Alberta Diabetes Institute to allocate funding where and when it is needed most.  This helps to ensure that important diabetes research and projects are not stalled.  The ADF is able to fund research projects in their early stages, therefore filling the gaps left by traditional granting organizations.  2014 marks two monumental milestones for ADF.  It is the 25th anniversary of the foundation funding the first islet transplant and the 10th anniversary of the Alberta Diabetes Institute.

The ADF have many fundraisers throughout the year and I am excited to be part of this one.  Participants can either enter the 3km/5km fun run or walk, or register for the 10km competitive timed run.  There will be prizes in the 10km run for the top three finishes in the categories of adult male, adult female, youth male and youth female, as well as prizes for the best costumes.

I plan on running the 10km race and have a costume in mind (cannot tell).  I am excited to speak in front of the participants a bit about my journey so far.  I also get giddy at the thought of being around a bunch of people with diabetes :). 


If you are interested in participating in this event, please check out the website at www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com

Another very cool thing that happened, which I shall detail in my next post, is that CTV news contacted me and asked to interview and film me for a piece they are doing on primetime!  How exciting is that?