About Us
Health, 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.

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

Our Mission
We empower youth with T1D and their supporters by providing financial, social, emotional, and informational support to transition to a healthier tomorrow.
Transition Resources for Canadian Youth with T1D
Diabetes Hope Foundation is dedicated to empowering and supporting 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
Meet Our Staff Team
Management
Team

Heather Miller
Executive Director

Anita Nardella
Director of Operations

Karen Higginson
Communications Director
Programs
Team

Amal Bashir
Program Facilitator
Free to Be Program

Heather Janine
Program Facilitator
Online Support Lead

Abbi Cloth
Program Facilitator
Drop-In Lead

Nathaniel Kinghan
Program Facilitator
PEP Talks Program
Social Media Specialist

Rav Samra
Program Facilitator
Campus Clubs Lead
Special Projects
Team

Vivian Li
Scholarship & Online
Transition Guide Lead

Rajitha Gunaseelan
Transition Guide Researcher
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