Kaitlin Ames -Scholarship Alumni (1999)
“What was really special about being a recipient of the Diabetes Hope Foundation Award was that I felt like there
was someone coming alongside of me to encourage me and propel me forward into this new venture and era of my life that understood
the additional challenge that Diabetes presents to making this shift.”
Patrick Choi - Scholarship Alumni (1999)
“Patrick has graduated university and moved to Hong Kong. Living with diabetes can be very difficult. Winning the
Diabetes Hope Scholarship was very positive for Patrick and meant that his efforts were being appreciated.”
- Katherine Choi (mom)
Michelle Amernic - Scholarship Alumni (2000)
“I felt privileged to receive this award and grateful that there was this type of help. Knowing that Diabetes Hope
Foundation was willing to help and had put their trust in me, really motivated me to persevere.”
Brian Dijkema - Scholarship Alumni (2001)
“This scholarship meant a lot to me because it was from a unique source that recognized my struggles with diabetes
where no one else really understood what it was like.”
Shannon Doherty - Scholarship Alumni (2002)
“This award helped show that I had been dealing well with my diabetes. People with diabetes face a lot of challenges.
Giving someone the opportunity to win a scholarship shows them that their hard work has paid off and they can go that little
bit further.”
Melissa Bailey - Scholarship Alumni (2002)
“It was a really big honour to be chosen. I had never won a scholarship
before and the whole experience of the event was so nice. I really
appreciated the financial help.”
Dylan Crosby - Scholarship Alumni (2002)
“Winning this scholarship made me take my diabetes more seriously. It really encouraged me to be more responsible
about my health. Since winning this award, I have gotten my diabetes under more control. This is a good thing because I’ll
be going to India on a 6 month exchange program next year.”
Merzin Kapadia - Scholarship Alumni (2000)
“Diabetes Hope Foundation is like the angel sent down to help. As a father of a son with diabetes, I was so proud
because this Foundation really gives an extra boost to kids. It helps them understand that there are people who understand
their health problems. The scholarship helps release them from their financial burdens and encourages them to succeed and
to achieve their goals.” -Mehernosh Kapadia (dad)
Nicole Gillespie - Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“This scholarship opened the door a lot further for me thanks to the financial support. It made me feel really special.
I liked the recognition I received at the ceremony and I was very pleased that the effort I put into my essay was recognized.”
Robby Burko - Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“Robby received this award shortly after he was diagnosed with diabetes when everything was new to him and his whole
life was changing in so many ways. This was a voice of support and encouragement to continue his studies and it really gave
him more confidence. It got him off to a really good start.” -Tom Burko (dad)
Dan Gibson - Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“It was helpful to get something positive from the diabetes experience. Diabetes is always taking
something away from you. This award helped move me toward something positive rather than holding me back.”
Ana Marie Cortez - Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“This scholarship really helped me get through my first year. Diabetes Hope Foundation
encourages people my age to go for their dreams.”
Mitch Blimkie - Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“This was a real reward for me. I put a lot of effort into looking after my diabetes and it was nice
to be recognized. This is a great cause!”
Katherine Hall -Scholarship Alumni (2003)
“I really needed these funds and this scholarship meant I could buy my books. It was also a validation that I had
control over my diabetes. I knew I was doing fine. Getting this award proved to me that I really was! Diabetes Hope Foundation
really helps people.”
John Brown - Scholarship Alumni (2004)
“This award showed John that people really cared and appreciated what people who live with diabetes go through each
and every day. This was tremendous encouragement for John and he really appreciated it.” -John’s sister (also
living with diabetes)
Adam Brown - Scholarship Alumni (2004)
“Winning this scholarship gave Adam an incredible amount of confidence. It showed him that he wasn’t held back
and he didn’t have to worry so much – he could really move ahead with his life.” -Annette Brown (mom)
Thank you ...because of your generous donations
ONE OF THE HARDEST LESSONS FOR A CHILD TO LEARN IS THE REALIZATION
THAT CHANGE IS INEVITABLE; ALTHOUGH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO AVOID SUDDEN
CHANGE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO MAKE EVERY CHANGE POSITIVE. FOR THIS EXACT
REASON I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO GIVE MY THANKS AND SINCERE
GRATITUDE TO YOU. BECAUSE OF YOU, MY FIRST YEAR OF UNIVERSITY
WILL BE EASED FINANCIALLY. MANY PEOPLE VIEW ME AS A CHILD WITH A
DISEASE, IN WHICH THERE IS NO HOPE FOR, HOWEVER, IN THE WORDS OF
ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL, “WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER DOOR OPENS;
BUT WE SO OFTEN LOOK SO LONG AND SO REGRETFULLY UPON THE CLOSED
DOOR, THAT WE DO NOT SEE THE ONES WHICH OPEN FOR US.” THANK YOU FOR
ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE. IT MEANS MORE TO ME THAN WORDS CAN EXPRESS.
THANK YOU,
Cheryl Peplinskie
2005 Scholarship Recipient
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to receive a Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship. It is a privilege to be a DHF
alumni. I look forward to becoming involved in your organization in the future. So, once again, thank you very much!
Yours truly,
Amanda Young
2005 Scholarship Recipient
Thank you very much for awarding me Dr. and Mrs. Robert Ehrlich Diabetes Hope
Foundation Scholarship. I am honoured to be the recipient of such a generous four year
award. In September, I will be attending the University of Western Ontario studying
Sociology. I then hope to continue my education studying to become either a firefighter
or police officer. I love to help people and know that I belong in one of these fields. The
support from the Diabetes Hope Foundation is going to help me pursue and achieve my
goals. This award has truly made a difference in my life.
Sincerely yours,
Sean Forder
2005 Scholarship Recipient
First of all, I’d just like to thank you on behalf of all of the campers and staff of Camp Huronda for all the amazing
work you’ve done for us. On a more personal note, I’d also like to thank you for helping me earn my scholarship.
Your Foundation does so much for the community and I’m so grateful for what you’ve done for me. Thank you so
much.
Sincerely,
Kale Boehmer
2005 Scholarship Recipient
I would like to thank you immensely for your generosity in graciously presenting me with a Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship.
I was more than honoured to be at the awards ceremony on Monday. The presentation was beautiful and was a once in a lifetime
experience. Meeting other young people with diabetes who have already left the childhood care system is not something I
had previously experienced, and was very encouraging. The reservations I had had towards entering adult care, as well as
leaving home, were somewhat relieved after listening to the alumni speak of their experiences. Your speech was encouraging
as well as calming to not only myself, but my anxious parents. I was overcome by the presentation, and had tears in my eyes
when you spoke.
Not only is the scholarship an amazing program, the numerous events which the foundation undertakes to improve the lives
of children living with diabetes on a daily basis is exceptional. You have truly been an inspiration. The effort and persistence
you have put forth to create and maintain this crucial organization will forever be recognized by myself, and by the many
others who have been touched by the Diabetes Hope Foundation. In September I will be leaving home and attending university,
in the hopes of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. I will put my scholarship to the best possible use, and
use my education to help others in need of medical assistance, just as I have needed throughout my diabetic life. As I enter
a more independent phase of my life, the Diabetes Hope Foundation will always be in my heart. Please keep me updated about
the organization and about any events in which you require volunteers, I'd love to help!
Best wishes,
Lauren Pelc
2005 Scholarship Recipient
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to receive a Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship.
It is a privilege to be a DHF alumni. I look forward to becoming involved in your organization in the future. So, once again,
thank you very much!
Yours truly,
Amanda Young
2005 Scholarship Recipient
Thank you very much for awarding me Dr. and Mrs. Robert Ehrlich Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship. I am honoured to be
the recipient of such a generous four year award. In September, I will be attending the University of Western Ontario studying
Sociology. I then hope to continue my education studying to become either a firefighter or police officer. I love to help
people and know that I belong in one of these fields. The support from the Diabetes Hope Foundation is going to help me
pursue and achieve my goals.
This award has truly made a difference in my life.
Sincerely yours,
Sean Forder
2005 Scholarship Recipient
Words cannot express to you how grateful I am for receiving the Nancy Ryce 2005 scholarship award that could not have happened
without you. You are truly an amazing individual for you have not only made a difference in my life, but in the lives of
many others. It was an honor meeting you and recognizing the passion, love and dedication you have for life and for the
Diabetes Hope Foundation. This award will contribute greatly to my studies at the University of Western in the fall, and
has proved to me that I can overcome obstacles and achieve great success. With all
my heart, thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Jade Allen
2005 Scholarship Recipient
From the moment I was diagnosed, I made a lifelong decision not to let diabetes hold me back and for the past few years
my diabetes has been on the backburner while I have put all my energy into my academics, leadership, sports and community
involvement. Since receiving the Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship, I have decided that there might still be a little
space in all that for diabetes too. The scholarship is more than financial support for me; it has given me the courage and
confidence to know that I can care for my diabetes without compromising everything else I love to do.
Lorna Sampson
2006 Scholarship Recipient
I find myself considering diabetes not as a burden, but as a way of life. It is by adapting to diabetes, I believe, that
I have gained a different perspective on life. This award fuels a determination to live a normal life, yet not so normal
in that we do not resign in front of diabetes, rather we accept and fight back!
Emilie Desloges
2006 Scholarship Recipient
Every life has its unique challenges and barriers to overcome. Living with diabetes can be (and often is) overwhelming and
demanding, but as they say - every obstacle is just an opportunity in disguise. It's so easy to see only the negative in
a situation, but work such as yours reminds us to see the bright side, and motivates us to work hard and to master our diabetes
before it masters us. Thank you,
Sarah Keeshan
2006 Scholarship Recipient
The Diabetes Hope Foundation has now become a part of my support network. Your dedication to continually support the lives
of individuals like me is truly life-changing. Your program has made a huge difference. The scholarship has helped me realize
I am never alone
with this disorder.
Lindsay Vivian
2006 Scholarship Recipient