Celebrating the Life of Patient Partner Pascual Delgado
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of one of Diabetes Action Canada’s (DAC’s) long-standing and dedicated Patient Partners, Pascual Delgado.
Pascual was involved with many DAC committees and programs and a Patient Partner on several projects with the Université Laval. He worked closely with DAC researcher Dr. Joyce Dogba.
“Pascual was a dear colleague and friend. As one of the first Patient Partners within the Network, he played a vital role in shaping our research, collaborating closely with our teams in both French and English across a variety of initiatives. I had the privilege of working alongside Pascual to co-develop the EDI Committee, where he served as co-Chair with a particular passion for supporting research teams in engaging newcomers to Canada in the research process, says Diabetes Action Canada’s Executive Director, Tracy McQuire.
“Pascual was deeply involved in our Network, contributing as an active member of the Steering Council, Workshop Planning Committee, Collective Patient Circle, Francophone Patient Circle, and numerous research projects. Beyond his many contributions, he was a kind and generous person—always the first to recognize others’ efforts, express appreciation, and take the time for a thoughtful conversation. I will deeply miss working with him,” she continues.
Pasqual’s work as a patient partner will continue to have impact and his relationship with the patient-oriented research community will be remembered fondly. “Pascual was such a valued member of Diabetes Action Canada. He is remembered with deep gratitude for his passionate contributions, wisdom and friendship,” says Dr. Catharine Whiteside, DAC’s Director of Strategic Partnerships.
Dr. Joyce Dogba, shares her words of remembrance for Pasqual below.
Il m’est très difficile de te parler au passé, permets-moi de te parler au présent. Tu es une âme si généreuse, un érudit riche en savoir, en savoir-être et en savoir-faire. Lors de ma première entrevue avec toi en 2015, j’ai toute suite réalisé ton immense apport dans le projet pancanadien portant sur le diabète. Je suis fier de dire que c’est moi qui t’ai invité à rejoindre le réseau DAC.
J’ai encore en mémoire ta réflexion profonde sur l’immigration, l’inadéquation de la société aux personnes et vice-versa. J’ai encore en tête les interminables heures d’entrevue que nous ne voulions jamais terminer, car discuter avec toi c’est boire aux sources de la sagesse comme un disciple ferait auprès de son maître.
Cher ami, où que tu sois reste en paix, tu as un leg précieux dans nos cœurs ici. La science du partenariat patient s’est enrichie grâce à toi.
Merci à la vie de m’avoir permis de te rencontre.
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Associated Programs
Improving Access to Eye Screening for Newcomers to Canada
Often newcomers don’t know about access to eye screening, or there are cultural or other barriers that aren’t being addressed. But early detection of diabetic retinopathy can save sight and have a huge impact on the overall health of a person.
Today’s guests want to make sure those barriers are overcome. Host Krista Lamb talks to Dr. Joyce Dogba from the University of Laval and Patient Partner Pascual Delgado about their work on the Diabetes Action Canada Immigrant Patient Circle and on reducing barriers to care for all.
