Common experience a great connector for new volunteer
One of the newer volunteer faces at the Canadian Diabetes Association (Manitoba & Nunavut), Christopher Dupont has been an asset to the Public Programs and Services department, already delivering a handful of Learning Series presentations for children and adults in Winnipeg in the last few months.
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a year and a half ago, Christopher, a 25-year-old pharmacy student, signed on as a volunteer because of his interest in being a diabetes advocate, and eventually a certified diabetes educator.
“I feel I can be a champion for all the young children coping with this chronic disease, as well as help educate the public on how type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.” He says he is also keen to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle: “Diabetes is a disease that can be managed with active healthy choices and diligence.”
Since he signed on with the Association in mid-September, Christopher says that his volunteer experience has been a rewarding one. In particular, he notes the impact he has been able to have on some of the young people he has met.
“We recently visited a school where a little girl was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Throughout the day we presented educational videos, performed puppet shows to explain diabetes, and talked about the four food groups—among other things—with numerous kids at the school. When that little girl found out I’m also living with type 1 diabetes, she kept repeating, “you have it too, I just can’t believe it.” She was so happy to know she was not alone. Not only was I there among the other volunteers to educate about diabetes, but I provided this little girl with support, by showing her that this disease is manageable, and she can continue to live a normal life, play sports, go to school, and just have fun.”
Since his own diagnosis, Christopher says that his empathy for people with this disease grows every single day. “When I interact with those individuals with diabetes, it is reassuring to me as well—because we are in this together.”
According to Christopher, volunteering as a diabetes advocate motivates him to be his best. “I can only encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise if I do it myself. When I inform others that diabetes is a disease that can be managed with care, I am motivated to be diligent with my own blood glucose levels. As a volunteer with the Canadian Diabetes Association, I am given the opportunity to learn more about a disease that is currently affecting 3 million Canadians, and do something about it.”
To volunteer with the Canadian Diabetes Association (Manitoba & Nunavut), please call Kasia James at (204) 925-3800, x. 232, or email kasia.james@diabetes.ca.