THUNDER BAY, Ont. (April 21, 2016) – Last week, Thunder Bay’s Cheryl Pile received the Kurt Kroesen National Inspiration Award as part of the Canadian Diabetes Association’s (CDA’s) Volunteer Appreciation Awards.
The award recognizes an individual who has overcome great odds to manage their diabetes and continue to live a fulfilling, active and inspiring life.
Pile, 54, has lived with type 1 diabetes for 43 years. She has undergone islet cell transplant therapy and is now waiting for a pancreas transplant. Despite experiencing a number of diabetes related complications, Pile still finds time to volunteer for the CDA.
Richard Boon, Northwestern Ontario branch coordinator for the CDA says, “Pile advocates for equal access to health-care for all Canadians, speaks in support of the CDA’s funding for research, and helps educate the public about diabetes management. She is often willing to speak one on one with others interested in learning more about islet cell transplant to share her experience.”
Other award recipients at last week’s event include:
• Robyn Kelleher - Dave Spear Regional Inspiration Award
• Michelle Wright - Outstanding Health Professional Award
• Superior North EMS - Outstanding Regional Partner Award
• Copperfin Credit Union - Outstanding Regional Corporate Partner Award
• Willy Skinn - Regional Volunteer of the Year
Years of service certificates and pins for five years of service were awarded to Lindsay Desaulniers of Dryden, Marylou Kobzick of Mobert, and Bernadine O’Brien of Geraldton. A ten year service certificate and pin was presented to Mark Southall of Thunder Bay.
In 2015, volunteers in Northwestern Ontario helped the CDA to reach more than 3,600 individuals through displays at health fairs and by delivering presentations about diabetes prevention and management.
About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) is the registered national charity that helps the 11 million Canadians with diabetes or prediabetes live healthy lives, and educates those at risk. In communities across Canada, the CDA:
• offers educational programs and support services;
• develops resources to health-care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
• advocates with those affected by diabetes to governments, schools and workplaces; and,
• funds research to improve treatments and find a cure.
For more information, visit diabetes.ca or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).