Patient Partners

Howard is a Patient Partner for the Training and Mentoring Program and a member of the Collective Patient Circle. Howard is retired from the Canadian Military. He is from Winnipeg and has lived with T2D since 2008. He had pre-diabetes for 15 years prior to that. Since retiring, he has been involved in supporting diabetes care and research, including as a subject in two drug research projects, a Board Member of the Youville Clinic Centre of Diabetic Excellence in Manitoba, and a member of one of six Local Health Involvement Groups under the auspices of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. He took part in the Foundational Training Seminar in Ottawa for Patient-Oriented Research volunteers and is enthusiastically providing input for improved care for Canadians living with diabetes.

Kate Farnsworth is the patient partner co-lead for the Innovations in Type-1 Diabetes Program. Kate has been heavily involved in the Do-It-Yourself #wearenotwaiting movement since her daughter Sydney was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 8. With a background in information technology and graphic design, Kate has lent her skillset to developing diabetes watch faces for remote monitoring used by patients worldwide. Kate has created an online patient-driven support community for people who are exploring DIY closed-loop solutions and continues to advocate for all people with diabetes to have access to the best tools to manage their diabetes.

Robert is the Aboriginal Diabetes Education Coordinator for the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA). Robert is Anishnaabe from Animakee Wa Zhing No. #37 First Nation, Treaty 3 and is the Eagle Staff Keeper for ONWA’s Grandmother Eagle Staff. He graduated from Confederation College and Lakehead University with BA in both Sociology and Indigenous Learning. Robert is passionate about his work in diabetes and dedicates his work to the memory of his Grandmother. Diabetes has ravaged his family for three generations, and now the next generations are here. Robert is very involved with his community as the Chair for the Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee. He is a current member of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre’s Advisory Committee for Aboriginal Lead Engagement and the TBRHSC Patient/Family Advisor Council. Robert also volunteers for the Hospice Northwest Palliative Care Program and serves as an Elder for the Indigenous Peoples Court, Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse. Robert is a firm believer that the work he is doing will benefit his children, grandchildren, and the next generations.

Kathleen has lived with T1D for 30 years. Her diagnosis ultimately led her to change her career from environmental science to Registered Dietitian. She is passionate about everyone being able to live well no matter the challenges. She believes the voice of people living with chronic conditions is often not heard and overlooked and wants to be part of making change.

I am a semi-retired business man living on a farm north of Toronto who has lived with Type 2 diabetes for approximately 15-years. I have been involved with Gary Lewis for 13-years supporting the Banting Best Research Centre in Toronto. I wanted to support research that would make a difference in the lives of people living with this condition and Gary invited me to get involved. What keeps me involved is seeing the dedication of researchers like Gary and so many others across Canada that give their all for very little financial reward and Patient Partners who contribute meaningfully by helping researchers focus on their specific issues and needs. I have been a Patient Partner at Diabetes Action Canada since its inception and serve on the Steering Council Executive. I also serve as Chair of the Finance-Audit Standing Committee and Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. I am also very involved with Rotary International and have been a member of the Rotary Club of Bolton, in the hills of Caledon, for 30 years helping people locally and throughout the world. While COVID-19 has made our work more challenging, we have successfully delivered more than 20,000 medical masks to Seniors, Seniors Facilities and not-for-profit organizations and donated hundreds of $100.00 grocery gift certificates to families in need locally.

Dana Greenberg was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) in 1972, at the age of 7. She was a professional fundraiser for over 20 years and is the proud mom of 3 kids, now aged 31, 28, and 23. Her youngest daughter was also diagnosed with T1D at the age of 8. After her daughter’s diagnosis, Dana quickly came to realize that she was in a unique position to help others because she understood both what it means to be a person living with T1D and what it means to be a parent of a child with T1D. Dana is the chair of DAC’s Collective Patient Circle, co-chair of DAC’s Patient Engagement Committee and co-leads several research projects as a person with lived experience.

I joined DAC in 2017 and have been a member of the Collective Patient Circle since. This organization provided me with an opportunity to get involved with and influence important research, while also offering a young person’s perspective on living with diabetes. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 7 years old, just 6 years after my oldest brother received the same diagnosis. I grew up learning that diabetes did not limit me and consequently, dedicated much of my life to competitive sports. I am a recent graduate from the University of Prince Edward Island, completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Biology. I hope to continue my education and pursue a career in healthcare. Ultimately, I’d like to help others, as I have been helped, to overcome obstacles in their life and achieve their goals. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams, no matter their circumstance.

Heather is an exercise enthusiast from Calgary, who has been living with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years. She holds an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, and recently finished her M.Sc. in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation from the University of Alberta. Her graduate work focused on people with type 1 diabetes and how exercise may affect their blood glucose. Heather has been involved with Diabetes Canada’s D-Camps off and on for several years, providing support for the medical team at their specific request. Her passion for movement often has her dancing, skipping, cycling, or lifting. She is currently aspiring to find her next scholastic adventure, whether it be in research or medicine.

Adhiyat currently resides in Toronto and works in clinical research focused on diabetes self-management education and support. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 7, she has actively participated in both researcher and patient partner roles. Since 2017, she has been a patient partner with Diabetes Action Canada, contributing to various projects, including serving as the lead patient partner for the T1ME Trial and as a previous member of the Research Governing Committee. Additionally, she volunteers as an advocate for T1International’s Toronto chapter, where she promotes equitable care for individuals living with diabetes.

Elder Barb and Clarence are members of Pine Creek First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory are both retired from the public service and continue to be active on various Boards and committees. Elder Barbara is on the National Board for Cultural Human Resources Council from Ottawa, serving on the Standing Indigenous Advisory Council to the Canadian Human Rights museum with Clarence. Both serve on the Peguis National Elders Gathering, DAC Diabetes Action Canada, National Climate Change Committee; both are Cultural/Spiritual Advisors for First Peoples Investment Group as well as APTN – Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Clarence is also a member of the St. James Historical Museum and the Healthy Aboriginal Network in Vancouver. Clarence and Elder Barbara were recognized as Wisdom Keepers by the Circle of Educators in Manitoba as well as both are recipients of the Golden Jubilee Award.