After 13 years of serving as a soldier in the infantry, I joined the air force as a search and rescue technician. I had passion for this job – it was a dream come true for me. And I was good at it. WHAT I AM
In September 2007 I found out I was going to be a father. I was also diagnosed with type two diabetes. The diagnosis was a shock to everyone – including the doctors – considering my age, stat
e of health and my active lifestyle. At first I was able to control my sugars with metformin and I fought the Canadian Armed Forces to retain me as a diver. After an 18-month long fight, I won my case, and became the first diabetic diver in the CF and set a new precedent for military divers. Unfortunately, the victory was short lived. A few months later the disease changed, and I am now insulin dependant. Once again they stripped me of my diving qualifications, and I am currently serving as an instructor at the CF School of Survival and Aeromedical Training. The put me here while I waited to hear my fate. Over a year later, a decision was finally made. Though I wanted with all my heart to be retained as a SAR Tech – something I worked passionately towards and had finally accomplished – I knew it was unlikely. They would likely find me another place to work within the Canadian Armed Forces, where I could finish out my career. There are thousands of jobs in the CF that I am totally capable of performing – including the role I serve now – as an instructor. What I never expected, was that they would kick me out. But that is what they did: They sat me down and explained to me that due to my breech of U of S (Universality of Service), I would no longer be retained in the Canadian Armed Forces – in ANY role – and would have six months to clear out. After 20 years of service to the CF – including three tours overseas – they just tossed me away. After another fight that lasted a few months I was given three more years, but they are still going to release me. I did not agree that I breeched U of S. Neither did my family. Neither did many of the people I work with, nor the doctors or specialists who had treated me. So we had another fight on our hands – one that could go all the way to the Human Rights Commission and would take many more months – if not years. WHAT I CAN DO
I organized a solo ski trek across Lake Winnipeg in February 2011. I ventured onto the lake for five days and skied 100 km from Hecla Island to Gimli to Victoria Beach. The ski trek is called Gliding Thru Barriers and is meant to demonstrate that as a diabetic, we can perform and function at any level of activity just as well as those who are not inflicted by this disease or other ailments. It is our passions and enthusiasm for life which set our limits to what we can or cannot do regardless of the barriers that are placed upon us. My drive to live beyond those limitations that are placed upon a diabetic have motivated me to change the perception of diabetes and what it means to live with this condition. In 2012 I did it again. This time I had company and we raised another $6,000. WHAT YOU CAN DO
Last year I raised over $6000 in donations which went directly to Canadian Diabetes Association to help find a cure. We made second place for top solo fundraising event and I was asked to speak at the Annual General Meeting of CDA. I was also featured on a number of media outlets. Now I'm asking for your help. Join me on the ice, help me raise funds to help CDA find a cure for this disease, or just help spread the word!!! Awareness is key!! And follow me. Here. RESCUE!
*note*
In July 2012 we received the answer to our redress. Using vague reasons, they maintained their decision to release me – and my release date is February 2014. It is exactly 23 years and 350 days – which is 15 days short of my 24 plus a day – denying me another 2% of my pension. This fight has put a strain on my emotional well-being and on my family. I was an exceptional member of the armed forces, and gave the military the best of my years – yet they have ripped my heart out without another thought. For the sake of my family, I have decided to give up the fight and need to focus on repairing the damage they have caused. I have to look forward and figure out where my future lies.
