About Us

Michael Kowalchuk

My name is Michael Kowalchuk and I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 55 in the spring of 2008. My initial reaction was “No big deal. Through proper exercise and diet I could live a normal life.”

They didn't tell me about all the other stuff associated with type 2 diabetes - depression, decreased circulation, fear of the unknown, cost, and most of all, the feeling of isolation.

Numerous websites are dedicated to the causes and symptoms of diabetes but there don’t seem to be any where I could talk with other people afflicted with this disease. Being new at this I often felt frustrated by the many explanations and often conflicting opinions on what diabetes is all about!

I can’t count the number of times I wished I could just talk to someone who understood the multitude of emotions I was trying to deal with. Most people I tried to talk to didn't seem to know, care, or understand any of these things. I have come to realize diabetes doesn't appear to be a disease people take seriously. I know I didn't until I was diagnosed.

Since those first days I’ve had the opportunity to talk to many diabetics and they have expressed a lot of the same concerns. Living with diabetes, especially in rural areas, can be very lonely, frustrating and isolating. Lack of resources, information, and access to much needed medical treatment create challenges above and beyond the already existing challenges of living with this disease.

Rural Diabetes Awareness

I started this website with intention of addressing what I feel are a two of the most important issues facing diabetics in rural areas – communication and funding.

I want to give everyone touched by diabetes in some way – diabetics, families, friends, caregivers, the public - an opportunity to talk with each other about what's really happening in our lives and living with this disease. I see creating an environment, a community, where we know that what we think and feel is important!

By sharing with each other our experiences, ideas, and feelings I believe we can make a difference and create an awareness of this disease that seems to be sorely lacking!

I’ve also come to realize how expensive Diabetes can be. Right now I don’t need to use insulin or a pump. Unfortunately there are many that do. Not all provinces include the cost of pumps, medications etc., in their medical plans. Many people are forced to find ways of paying for the cost of diabetes on their own.

There also seems to be a need for more availability and easier access to dialysis machines. Diabetes doesn't seem to draw the same public reaction of other diseases. This creates a lack of funding for research, public awareness and much needed medical supplies such as dialysis machines.

My goal is to create fundraisers - be it a walkathons, marathons, bike tours, or whatever idea that creates interest. I intend to use 100% of the money to raise awareness, buy pumps for people,who can't afford them, and, God willing, purchase dialysis machines to use specifically in rural areas.

Diabetes is an unforgiving and serious disease impacting more lives than we can imagine.

But I strongly believe that we are so close to finding a cure or I wouldn’t be here. In the meantime I hope that you will find this community and website to be a source of inspiration, information, compassion and hope.

I am touched by and grateful for your caring and concern by being here now. I encourage you to continue to be part of this experience and together we become part of the solution.

Michael Kowalchuk

"tollo dei confuturus gloria"

It means to God be the glory! I believe that without Him, none of this would ever have happened.