For 37 years, Mitch Beauchemin has been a type 1 diabetic. He understands the struggles of living with the disease as well as anyone. Now, as an advocate for the Canadian Diabetes Association, he wants to help other sufferers gain access to the necessary tools and information to control the disease and get their lives back on track.
On November 12, Beauchemin is holding a fundraiser to do just that. The evening event, called “Let’s Get Pumped,” is planned to include a luncheon, the live band MosquitoZ, a host of speakers, a silent auction, and a 50/50 draw. It will be held at the TransCanada Centre in Île-des-Chênes from 8:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
“Guests at this awareness social will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with friends and family and learn more about how people live with diabetes day to day,” says Beauchemin.
Keynote speakers will include Canadian Diabetes Association educator Sherri Pockett, MLA Bob Lagasse, MP Ted Falk, and Sarah Baker, ambassador of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
“I’m doing this event because living with type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 job,” says Beauchemin. For many years he struggled to keep his blood sugar under control, volunteering for trial studies and trying a variety of different doctor-recommended insulins, some of which had a negative effect.
But not being able to get his blood sugar under control had dire implications. He has suffered nerve damage in his feet; cramps in his hands, feet, and legs; and recently he was diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney disease. Since his kidneys only function at 15 percent of normal, doctors suggest he may be a candidate for a transplant or dialysis in the near future.
At this point, Beauchemin’s doctor recommended an insulin pump. According to Beauchemin, the cost was steep—between $7,000 and $10,000 per unit, not including supplies needed to accompany it. Currently, Manitoba Health only covers the cost of pumps for patients 18 years or younger.
“Once you turn 19 you’re on your own,” says Beauchemin. “That’s why I’m doing this. It’s not only for me, but for all diabetics in this province. If the government would spend money now they would save millions in the long run.”
He adds that the cost of a kidney transplant runs about $30,000 while dialysis costs Manitoba Health $60,000 per patient. He has since invested in a pump of his own but wants to change these difficult circumstances for other diabetes sufferers in Manitoba.
“The problem with government is that they only think in four-year [terms]. They have to think down the road 10, 20, 30 years.” Beauchemin says that diabetics are at risk of losing limbs and their eyesight. They are also susceptible to heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and premature death. “I hope government will open their eyes and pay for these [insulin pumps] so we can take care of ourselves and be less of a burden on the healthcare system.”
All proceeds from the event will go to support the Canadian Diabetes Association. Tickets are $15 and are available through the contact information below.
