Welcome to C-PaK
A Support Group for Families with Children with Type 1 Diabetes

C-PaK stands for Connecting - Parents and Kids

Do you have a child who has Type 1 Diabetes?  Although it may feel like it much of the time, you are not alone!

My goal for  C-PaK is to connect the kids at fun activities such as laser tag, swimming, gymnastics and wall climbing.  They will be given the opportunity to meet and play with other children who are dealing with Type 1 diabetes and will realize that they are not different.  There are other kids living with this disease. 

Likewise, parents can meet other parents in a casual, non-threatening environment.  Guest speakers will be brought in to teach more about various aspects of the daily management of Type 1 diabetes as well as have an opportunity to connect in general conversation with other parents. 

You see, there is a general understanding that when people are dealing with something that is life-changing, it is very important to be connected with others facing the same issues.  The Diabetes Kid`s Camp is a great example.  Kids will always say, "The best thing about camp was being with other kids who have diabetes and I didn`t have to feel different that whole week". 

My grandson, Paul, is the reason I started C-PaK.  He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in October 2001 when he was just 19 months old.  As he got a bit older, he began to notice that he was different.  He knew that no one in his world -  his parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins or friends  -  had to get their fingers poked before eating or have carbs counted or have insulin injected.  As a grandmother, I didn`t want him feeling different.  I wanted him to know there were other kids with this disease and that he was not alone.   

I had no effective way to reach other families though.  I therefore approached the Alberta Children's Hospital Diabetes Clinic with the idea of this support group.  They were very receptive and I developed a pamphlet for them to handout about C-PaK.  That was in September 2007 and I am so grateful to say that since then many, many families have come together providing each other with the support and friendship that is so very necessary when dealing with a chronic disease. 

I sincerely hope you and your child will decide to connect with us!  Also, if you know of other families who could benefit, please have them visit this website.

Thank you so much! 
Karen Renaud, Volunteer Facilitator, C-PaK