THUNDER BAY – The Canadian Diabetes Association is pleased to present Andrew and Derek Lawrence of Thunder Bay with the 2010 National Advocacy Leadership Award. The award was presented to Andrew and Derek Lawrence at a special awards ceremony which were part of the Association’s Annual General Meetings held during the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) / Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (CSEM) Professional Conference held in Edmonton, October 20-23.
“It was a wonderful surprise to have been chosen for this prestigious award. As a father with two sons living with type 1 diabetes and seeing how the insulin pump has improved their lives, I felt that those less fortunate should have the same opportunities. With the help of my son Derek, Suzanne Sterling, MPP Michael Gravelle, the Canadian Diabetes Association and many volunteers, our team was able to facilitate the funding of insulin pumps for thousands of Ontarians,” said Andrew Lawrence.
“I am honoured to be a co-recipient, along with my Dad, of the Advocacy Leadership Award from the Canadian Diabetes Association. For many, including myself, the insulin pump can be a life changing tool. Working with Michael Gravelle, Suzanne Sterling, my Dad and many others with the Canadian Diabetes Association, the goal was to provide everyone access to the pump. This is something that I’m happy to say we achieved,” said Derek Lawrence.
The National Advocacy Leadership Award is new for 2010. The award recognizes an individual(s) who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment and dedication in advancing public policy in the interests of people living with diabetes and in accordance with the advocacy strategy of the Association.
“Increased access to diabetes medication, devices and supplies has been a key priority for the Association for a number of years. As a result of the relationship between an MPP, our office and Derek and Andrew Lawrence, a province wide advocacy effort was launched to increase supplies for youth 18 years and younger. The efforts were successful and insulin pumps were included in the April 2006 provincial budget and in 2008 it was extended to adults with type 1 diabetes with 5 other provinces following suite,” said Suzanne Sterling, Regional Director, Region, Canadian Diabetes Association.
“The Canadian Diabetes Association is proud to recognize the achievements of its volunteers and partners. The Association could not meet its mandate without the outstanding help and support it continues to receive from individuals and organizations across the country. This year’s awards nominees and recipients have all truly helped to make a difference in the lives of the more than 9 million Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes,” said Arlene Kuntz, Chair, National Awards Committee for the Canadian Diabetes Association. “On behalf of the Canadian Diabetes Association, I offer to all our award winners our congratulations for their dedication and hard work, as well our sincere gratitude and appreciation of the efforts of all those who were nominated.”