Strike out the stigma

Photo: Matt Inglis

The Kelowna Falcons will help strike out the stigma

Diabetes Canada will be hosting a first ever fundraiser to strike out diabetes stigma in partnership with the Kelowna Falcons baseball team at two games against the Victoria HarbourCats.

On Thursday, July 6, the game will take place at Elk Stadium in Kelowna. On Tuesday, July 25, the game will take place at the Royal Athletic Park in Victoria. Both nights will include a fun day of baseball, games, prizes and advocacy.

“People living with diabetes often face stigma and discrimination as a result of misinformation or misunderstanding about the disease; a troubling reality made harsher by the fact that diabetes is now an epidemic in Canada,” says Glenna Armstrong, Branch Coordinator with Diabetes Canada.

“This life-threatening disease affects one in three Canadians, meaning each one of us likely knows someone who has diabetes or prediabetes. 

Families are invited to cheer on the Kelowna Falcons as they play to strike out diabetes stigma, and as many Victoria HarbourCats as possible,” Armstrong added. 

People with diabetes have a higher rate of depression and many feel overwhelmed or anxious. Almost 30 per cent of those Diabetes Canada surveyed said they experienced diabetes distress. There are also many misconceptions around diabetes management.

These misconceptions can be as simple as a child with type 1 diabetes being told they cannot have a slice of birthday cake, to a person with type 2 diabetes feeling shame from the loss of a limb after years of healthy diabetes management. 

To purchase your seats, contact Glenna Armstrong at 250-762-9447 or [email protected].