Barbara Pasternak Awarded Meritorious Service Decoration

Rav Samra Bio

Rav Samra was diagnosed with type one diabetes when she was two years old.

Rav grew up knowing no one with diabetes and this inspired her to meet others with type one and support them. In 2013, Rav received a scholarship from the Diabetes Hope Foundation. She received her BASc in Occupational Health and Safety and HR Management certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Since 2013, Rav has mentored type ones through DHF's mentorship program. She has spoken at many webinars and in-person events. She is part of the Scholarship Advisory Committee and continues to support the development and execution of DHF's programs.

Rav is a passionate advocate within the diabetes community. She was interviewed by CBC reflecting on the cost of insulin in Canada and authored a paper with T1International published by Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare.

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Exciting News!

We are thrilled to announce that our Founder and Chair, Barbara Pasternak, has been recognized by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and awarded a Meritorious Service Decoration (Civil Division) for her tireless work supporting youth living with diabetes. This honour, one of the highest in the country, is a testament to Barbara’s outstanding achievements and programs in support of youth and young adults and their families living with diabetes across the nation.

We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the alumni, partners, members of the DHF Board of Directors and Scholarship Advisory Committee who graciously wrote letters and provided testimonials to the Governor General’s Office in support of Barbara receiving this incredible and well-deserved accolade.

Congratulations from all of the DHF community, Barbara!