October 30, 2024 Transforming lives through research

Valerie and Paul Walsh’s connection to Diabetes Canada goes back to the very beginning. Paul’s grandfather met Banting and Best in 1925, when the doctors knocked on his door. They knew him from social circles and upon hearing he had diabetes offered him their newly discovered treatment of insulin. 
 
In 1960, Paul’s brother Jim was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. And in 1997, Valerie and Paul’s daughter Andrea was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, at the age of 21.

A diabetes diagnosis journey

Andrea hadn’t been well for a long time, but her condition went undiagnosed for many years. Even when lab results showed an elevated blood sugar level, there was no official diagnosis, nor any sense of urgency. “The doctor simply said there should be a follow up,” says Valerie. At the eventual follow-up appointment, Andrea’s A1C was 11%, and she was rushed to the hospital. 
 
“The whole trip to the ER was so scary. But when they moved her to the ICU, we were terrified. They were trying to start an IV and her veins kept collapsing,” says Valerie. 
 
Andrea remembers it a little differently. “It was painful, but I was just so relieved to have a diagnosis, and to know that treatments were available,” she says. “I was nervous about doing my first insulin injection on my own. But I was 21, an adult. I knew I needed to do it, so I did it. From the beginning I was determined to take control of my diabetes.” Andrea was also an early adopter of technology, getting an insulin pump as soon as it was available. 

Giving back in support

Shortly after Andrea’s diagnosis, Valerie and Paul became monthly donors to Diabetes Canada. She says,

There’s a great sense of contribution when we give beyond ourselves.

And recently, Valerie made the switch to gifts of securities. “I want to support research to keep finding more effective treatments and advance technology such as insulin pumps that have made such a difference in Andrea’s life.” Valerie is also glad to know her donations help fund Diabetes Canada’s D-Camps, which bring children such joy and peer support, as well as diabetes education programs for patients and healthcare providers.

Making progress

“There have been huge advancements in our understanding of diabetes between when my brother-in-law was diagnosed and when Andrea was diagnosed,” says Valerie. 

“Updating information for people who live with diabetes is vitally important,” says Andrea. “If there are things I can be doing better, that can save me from complications, then teach me. Even if it’s 20 years later. Maybe I couldn’t have done it before, but I can now.” 

Leaving a gift for future generations

To further her impact, Valerie has decided to leave a gift to Diabetes Canada in her will. Knowing all too well that there is a genetic factor to diabetes, Valerie wants to do what she can for future generations, including her own grandchildren who may be at risk. Additionally, knowing that there are tax benefits associated with incorporating charitable gifts into estate planning, Valerie can ensure a secure future for her heirs and contribute to a cause she deeply cares about.

Did you know? 

November is Make a Will month. Diabetes Canada has partnered with Willfora, an online estate planning service that helps you create or update your will at no cost. If you have been inspired by the story of Valerie’s family and are interested in making a meaningful gift in your will, visit Diabetes Canada at Willfora today to learn more about how you can leave your legacy.