Leading the Fight

From coast-to-coast-to-coast, advocates, volunteers and partners are helping to advance our fight against diabetes

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Andrew and Derek Lawrence - Thunder Bay, ON

2011 National Advocacy Leadership Award Recipients

This year at the Canadian Diabetes Association’s National Volunteer Awards Dinner, father and son team Andrew and Derek Lawrence received the National Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of their commitment and dedication to advancing the interests of people living with diabetes.

The Lawrence family have been active supporters of the Association for over six years. Andrew has three sons - two with type 1 diabetes and one with Addison’s disease. Andrew’s commitment, dedication and eagerness to improve the quality of life for his family and others living with diabetes is clearly demonstrated in everything he does. He has been an advocate by speaking to individuals, government personnel and insurance companies both as a volunteer for the Association and on behalf of his family and all Canadians.

Andrew’s son, Derek, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was in grade nine. Derek describes the experience as a “very difficult transition” for him and his family. After some adjustment time, and once he had started developing confidence in understanding and managing his condition, Derek received encouragement from his father to get involved. He started helping out at small community events, then expanded his role to supporting the Association’s advocacy efforts by sharing his personal story. Derek was just recently nominated for the CBC Champions of Change Contest.

In early 2004, Andrew and Derek, along with regional director Suzanne Sterling, were invited to meet with Ontario MPP Michael Gravelle to discuss the Association’s involvement and support of the Private Members Bill to have OHIP cover insulin pumps and pump supplies.

The invitation led to a province-wide campaign in support of the private members bill. As a result of the campaign and the unanimous support from all parties, the Ontario government included financial support for insulin pumps and supplies for youth 18 years and younger in the April 2006 provincial budget. In September 2008, the Ontario government extended its insulin pump coverage to adults with type 1 diabetes. Today, five other provinces have followed suit by providing some coverage for insulin pumps and supplies. Andrew and Derek’s involvement were key to the success of this campaign.

Andrew and Derek Lawrence remain committed advocacy volunteers to this day, helping people with diabetes get fair and equitable access to diabetes medicines, supplies and education.