When I was diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) diabetes at the age of 22, it was a shock to both me and my family. We were all dismayed to think of a lifetime of daily blood sugar tests and injections, and possible serious complications down the road. But I quickly realized how fortunate I was to have received that diagnosis at a time when insulin had been discovered and so many advances in patient care had been made – two great aunts of mine were not so fortunate, and died as teenagers (as all juvenile diabetics once did) in 1920 before insulin was discovered. I felt compelled to do something good with the second chance I had been given. And though insulin and patient care are much improved and offer diabetics a relatively high quality of life, still there is need for improved care in some areas, and for continuing research into a cure (insulin is only a treatment) for a disease that is now reaching epidemic proportions.
That’s why my family and I started work that led to the creation of Cure Diabetes. Administration costs remain very low because of the very supportive relationship we have with The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and through the dedicated work of our core volunteers. Cure Diabetes donates money to two major causes: the general Cure Diabetes fund provides money to local research projects focused on finding a cure for diabetes (see Research) and Kim’s Fund goes to improving the quality of life of adult Type 1 diabetics by providing insulin pump supplies to help defray the exorbitant cost of insulin pump supplies (see Insulin Pump Support Program).
The fund raises money through ad hoc fundraising and awareness events and through personal donations. An important way that we receive personal donation is through the United Way Campaign – interested parties can designate part or all of their charitable contributions for Cure Diabetes by listing “Ottawa Hospital Foundation - Kim's Fund: 869042747RR0001” as their registered charity of choice in section C of the United Way form. It is also important that the individual choosing this way to make a donation make a photocopy of their pledge form once completed and provide Cure Diabetes with a copy of that pledge form. We can then make sure that the money sent from the United Way to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation finds its way into Cure Diabetes and Kim’s Fund.
Interested donors can also make donations by mailing a cheque directly to Cure Diabetes or by calling The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
Being involved with Cure Diabetes has changed my life for the better in so many ways. It has drawn me closer to my amazing family, who has rallied around this cause. I have been overwhelmed to learn how many people out there care about those who suffer with this disease – it is so nice to know how much support there is. But most importantly, for me, it has been great to have the opportunity to take the second chance that medical advances in the past 80 years have given me, and to give back.
With love and gratitude to those of you helping us to Make Diabetes History,
Kim Lok
