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MP Blaine Calkins to Run for the Cure

MP to join colleagues to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes
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Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins (Wetaskiwin) will be doing his part to help find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes when he puts his on running shoes next month to take part in the Barrie Waterfront 1/2 Marathon

Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins (Wetaskiwin) will do his part to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes when he puts on his on running shoes to take part in the Barrie Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada.

“While finding a cure for juvenile diabetes is certainly the most important reason to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, “says MP Blaine Calkins, “JDRF is also investing in research for therapy and prevention of this disease.”

For over 40 years, JDRF has been a global leader in the search for an end to type 1 diabetes (T1D), through both research funding and advocacy. JDRF’s research is committed to improving the lives of every person with T1D and to curing this disease. JDRF's research goals are realized by the projects being supported in three basic areas: Cure, Treat, Prevent.

The Barrie Waterfront ½ Marathon will take place on June 21 where Mr. Calkins will be joined by his colleagues MP Patrick Brown and Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal.

Tyson Fiveland, a 13 year old in the riding will serve as Calkins’ honorary chairman for the campaign.  Fiveland and his family first met with Calkins in 2007 to discuss Juvenile Diabetes and the impact it has on the family as a whole.  The then seven-year-old presented Calkins with a home-made book detailing his experience with the disease.  This book sits prominently in Mr. Calkins’ office in Ottawa.

“Tyson and his family fight this disease every single day,” says Calkins.  “The book in my office is a reminder of this fight, the same fight that millions of people in Canada face every day.  It is my honour to run for all children and families affected by Type 1 Diabetes.”

People interested in pledging their support for MP Calkins and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation are invited to do so at:  http://secure.eventsonline.ca/cgi-bin/events/barrie_half/pledge.pl?id=JME7420060&charity=JDRF