About Us

Heath, Opportunity, Power & Excellence Since 1999

ABOUT DHF

Diabetes Hope Foundation (DHF) is a Canadian not-for-profit organization founded by CEO Barbara Pasternak, in 1999 after two of her sons were diagnosed with diabetes. The foundation’s mission is to provide education and resources to help youth with diabetes transition to a healthier tomorrow.

About DHF, about us

Our Vision

To be a leader in supporting youth with T1D and their supporters in Canada through transition and beyond.

About DHF, About Us

Our Mission

We empower youth with T1D and their supporters by providing financial, social, emotional, and informational support to transition to a healthier tomorrow.

About Diabetes Hope Foundation, Diabetes Hope Foundation, Transition Resources, Diabetes Transition, Diabetes Transition Resources, About Us, About DHF

Transition Resources for Canadian Youth with T1D

Diabetes Hope Foundation is dedicated to empower and support youth with diabetes as they transition from high school to post-secondary education and beyond. DHF provides resources, education, and opportunities to ensure youth thrive in every aspect of their lives. Recognizing how important a successful transition is for youth living with T1D, we have worked with diabetes health care practitioners across Canada to develop programs that encourage continued and successful diabetes management during a time of change and uncertainty.

While technological advancements have made diabetes management much easier, the mental toll of living with a chronic illness persists. In response, Diabetes Hope Foundation offers free resources and programs aimed at supporting the mental health of Canadian youth with T1D during their transition.

Support from our community partners, corporate sponsors, and families is critical to our ability to expand our services and respond to emerging community needs. Your support strengthens the development of youth-led programming to empower youth to thrive beyond the clinic, classroom and diabetes.

Over the last year DHF has provided hope to youth living with T1D through…

Scholarships Awarded Across Canada

Connected through Peer Mentorship Program

Youth Reached via Virtual Workshops & Diabetes Club Collabs

Meet Our Founder and CEO

“The strength and success of our Foundation comes from its people… together we share a vision and together we are making a difference. Thank you for helping us help our kids.”

Barbara Pasternak, M.S.M.

Founder & CEO, Diabetes Hope Foundation

Barbara Pasternak, Founder and CEO,<br />
Diabetes Hope Foundation Founder

Meet Our Staff Team

Management
Team

Heather Miller, About Us

Heather Miller

Executive Director

Anita, About Us

Anita Nardella

Director of Operations

Karen Higginson, About Us

Karen Higginson

Communications Director

Programs
Team

Amal Bashir, About Us

Amal Bashir

Program Facilitator
Free to Be Program

Heather Cadigan, About Us

Heather Cadigan

Program Facilitator
Online Support Lead

Abbi Cloth, About Us

Abbi Cloth

Program Facilitator
Drop-In Lead

About Us, About, Nathaniel Kinghan

Nathaniel Kinghan

Program Facilitator
PEP Talks Program

Rav Samra

Rav Samra

Program Facilitator
Campus Clubs Lead

Shama Sarif, About Us

Shazma Sharif

Social Media
Specialist

Special Projects
Team

Vivian Li, About Us

Vivian Li

Scholarship & Online
Transition Guide Lead

Candace Miller, About Us

Candace Miller

Fund Development &
Oversight

%

of the DHF team live with or have family who live with type 1 diabetes.