Last summer’s D-camp continues to reward Saanich resident Deverne Brock.
The 10-year-old, who has Type 1 diabetes, went to Camp Kakhamela’s D-camp in Gibson’s last summer in association with the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Recently they got an email outlining ways to win tickets to the Sun Life Financial Skate with the Canucks.
“Basically kids with disabilities and stuff got a chance to go,” said Brock’s mom Jennifer Doering. “We won the ticket. We got to skate with three of the players.”
Selected kids skated with former Canuck Darcy Rota, current winger Jannik Hansen and centreman Jordan Schroeder.
“(Deverne) really loved it. They signed his hockey helmet and some cards they gave us,” Doering said. “He loves hockey, he loves all sports.”
Diabetes can add a kink for kids who love athletics, such as a basketball jamboree the youngster participated in this week at Spectrum school.
“They played games for a half hour back-to-back to back. I had to keep checking him throughout the games,” she said. “The more he exercises the more his levels drop.”
These days the youngster maintains his levels on his own, since shifting to an insulin pump.
“It saves him from getting 3,268 needles a year. He’s getting less pokes and his levels have been the best ever in six years.”
Visit jdrf.ca to learn more about juvenile diabetes.