Meet our role models! Here is where you'll find inspiring stories of people (both Type I and
Type II) who have taken charge of their diabetes and who have decided not to let diabetes hold them back from living life fully.
Like every one of us, they have had to deal with self-acceptance and education about managing diabetes, but what sets them apart is their attitude. May their stories shine a light on us all and ignite hope for our own possibilities!
Feature Profile
If you have been on the PeoplewithDiabetes.ca Message Boards, you know "Petronella Peach". I'm sure many of you have wondered, "Who is this lady with so much enthusiasm?"
I have been fortunate enough to meet her in person a few times, and her energy is as big in person as it is online.
We sent our fearless story writer, Lisa Mighton, over to Salmon Arm in the summer to find out what makes Nel such a firecracker. This is her story.
Petronella Peach - One Unstoppable Woman!
Last winter, while marathon training in the snows of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, she fell. Nel Peach holds up her left hand when asked about any long-term impacts from the slip that broke her wrist in three places.
"I can no longer give someone the finger."
The pinky and index finger rise up, but the two middle fingers do not. "Not that I would!" she adds mischievously.
A new inability to raise her middle finger in no way limits Nel Peach's ability to tell people exactly what she thinks. Her feistiness, sometimes-startling forthrightness and indomitable character are what drive her approach to her greatest passion -- diabetes advocacy.
Nel Peach is passionate about educating others about improving one's quality of life as a person with diabetes. She's also passionate about changing government policies to make essential diabetes medications within the financial reach of all Canadians with diabetes.
If you or someone you know has an inspiring story to share, please contact us with a few details and your story may be selected for publishing!
