Canadian Diabetes Association presents Kurt Kroesen National Inspiration Award to Gord Paynter
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Canadian Diabetes Association presents Kurt Kroesen National Inspiration Award to Gord Paynter
BRANTFORD, ONTARIO (October 22, 2012) - The Canadian Diabetes Association has presented the Kurt Kroesen National Inspiration Award to the late Gord Paynter of Brantford, Ontario. This prestigious national award recognizes an individual or family who has overcome great odds to manage their diabetes and continue to live a fulfilling, active and inspiring life.
Gord Paynter, a successful and internationally-renowned comedian, motivational speaker and author, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at five years of age. In his early 20s, he went blind: a complication of his diabetes.
Mr. Paynter was awarded the Kurt Kroesen National Inspiration Award in recognition of his personal and professional success, as well as community involvement, in spite of his disease. He generously volunteered his time with the Canadian Diabetes Association's Brantford Branch for more than 20 years, helping the Association to raise funds, raise awareness and inspire children with diabetes to rise above their challenges.
"We were very sad to lose Gord in April of this year and are so pleased to honour his contributions with the Kurt Kroesen National Inspiration Award," said Lorraine Hagan, Branch Coordinator, Canadian Diabetes Association, Brantford Branch. "While he dedicated many hours to raising funds, Gord also lent his inspirational voice to the children at diabetes camp and at local schools. Gord turned his blindness into an asset as a motivational speaker, encouraging, supporting and inspiring children with diabetes - and all of his audiences - to not let life's hurdles close the doors of opportunity."
"The Canadian Diabetes Association is thrilled to formally acknowledge the outstanding work of our volunteers and supporters through our national awards program. They are critical to the success of our mission delivery," said Michael Cloutier, President & CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. "The late Mr. Paynter demonstrated a true dedication to making a difference in the lives of the more than nine million Canadians who are living with diabetes or prediabetes. On behalf of the Association, I'm pleased to honour Gord's memory and express our sincere appreciation for all those who were nominated."
Mr. Paynter's wife, Catherine, accepted the award on his behalf at the Association's National Awards Presentation recently held in Vancouver. The event is held in conjunction with the Canadian Diabetes Association's Professional Conference and National Annual General Meeting. The 15th Annual Canadian Diabetes Association and Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism Professional Conference brings together more than 2,500 leading diabetes clinicians, researchers and educators from across Canada and around the world to share their knowledge, ideas and experiences on diabetes.
The conference serves as an important opportunity to collaborate and share the latest ground-breaking research aimed at helping those with diabetes to live healthier lives while the Association and researchers they fund, continue to work towards finding a cure.
About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
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For additional information or to arrange for an interview, please contact:
Katie Ostler
Communications Manager, Ontario
Canadian Diabetes Association
Tel: 416.408.7088
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