Sweet Steps

children's diabetes book

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

When Abbi’s blood sugar goes low during dance class, she starts to wonder if she will ever be able to dance centre stage without her diabetes getting in the way. When she meets David, a fellow dancer with T1D, she experiences the power of community and support and realizes that nothing can stop her from dancing her dreams.

Based on the real-life experiences of DHF mentors Abbi Cloth and David Campbell, proceeds raised through the sales of Sweet Steps will be used to provide free programs and resources for youth living with type 1 diabetes.

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The Stories Behind

Sweet Steps

Sweet Steps, Children's Diabetes Book, Type 1 Diabetes Book, children's diabetes books

Abbi Cloth (Author and Inspiration)

Abbi Cloth has been dancing recreationally and competitively since the age of three, graduating with her BFA in dance education from York University in June 2024. Diagnosed with T1D at the age of five, Abbi has adapted her training regimen to prevent hypoglycemic seizures from occurring on the dance floor. As a volunteer with DHF since 2020, Abbi is a peer mentor, webinar panellist and currently works as a Program Facilitator hosting youth drop-ins.

Sweet Steps, Children's Diabetes Book, Type 1 Diabetes Book, children's diabetes books

David Campbell (Inspiration)

David Campbell is a professional dancer based in Montreal, Canada. In addition to performing, he has shared his love of movement through teaching and choreography. David was diagnosed with T1D as a child, and has participated in research, mentoring, and advocacy forover 30 years. David used his own experiences of dancing with diabetes to mentor Abbi through DHF, providing her invaluable support on her own dance journey.

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Meet the Rest of the Sweet Steps Team!

Sweet Steps, children's diabetes book

Erin Mercer (Illustrator)

Erin is an artist and illustrator based in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada. She was diagnosed with MODY3 when she was 13 and received a scholarship from DHF that kickstarted her art career! She now works for animation studios as a storyboard artist and background artist. Her most recent work can be seen in Luna, Chip & Inky: Adventure Rangers Go!, Super Team Canada, and Gisele’s Mashup Adventures, Season 2. Pencil Empire Studio, Erin’s home studio where she moonlights as an illustrator, is slowly growing. Here she illustrates children’s books, greeting card designs, and custom prints by commission. Her dream, other than free insulin for all diabetics, is to illustrate children’s books full-time.

Children's Diabetes Book, Type 1 Diabetes Book, children's diabetes books
Sweet Steps, children's diabetes book

Heather Miller (Author)

Heather earned her Master of Social Work at the University of Toronto and holds an Honours BA with a double major in English and Indigenous Studies from Trent University. Heather lives in Toronto, Canada, and is a mom of three. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 20, Heather is passionate about combining her lived experience with her background in program development and facilitation to support youth in the diabetes community. As Executive Director at DHF, she has worked to grow the programs and resources availble to support youth with T1D through their transition.

Children's Diabetes Book, Type 1 Diabetes Book, children's diabetes books
Sweet Steps, children's diabetes book

Edmund Fines (Editor)

Edmund earned his Honours BSc in Computer Science at the University of Western Ontario. He lives in the west end of Toronto with his wife, daughter, and a pug he suspects may be part otter. He’s recently completed his creative writing certificate through the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto. He has been published with Acta Victoriana, Shoreline of Infinity, Smoking Pen Press, and the Proem Journal. In 2023, he took first prize in the Polar Expressions short story contest. Diagnosed with T1D in his mid-forties, Edmund is grateful for the support he has received from the staff at Mount Sinai Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Centre.

Sweet Steps, Children's Diabetes Book, Type 1 Diabetes Book, children's diabetes books

A Special Dedication

“Thank you to my incredibly patient husband, Steve, who encourages me daily to keep exercising to help manage my diabetes, and suggests great activities we can do together like cycling and hiking. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have had the courage to try my first team sport as an adult – curling! My fear of going low and letting my team down quickly passed when everyone around me was understanding, empathetic, curious and helpful. When I have lows, the other curlers show up with granola bars and juice, just like Abbi’s fellow dancers did for her! Realizing you can be a healthier diabetic and have fun just by moving your body is so empowering!”

~ Erin Mercer, Illustrator

published by DHF
Sweet Steps