July 19, 2023 Happy to make a difference

Like many Canadians, John Crocker, didn’t know much about diabetes until it hit close to home. In the early ’80s, his mother Isabel who was then 67 years old, was diagnosed with type 2. “My mother and I were living in Montreal [until] my employer transferred me to Toronto—in the midst of organizing the move, my mother was diagnosed during a regular checkup. She was hospitalized for about a week to stabilize her fluctuating blood sugars,” says John, who was closely involved in her care.

Once they were settled in Toronto, John says his mother’s new doctor prescribed oral diabetes medications, which helped keep her blood sugar in her target range. And until her death in 1997, Isabel did not experience any complications. “Through marketing outreach campaigns from the Canadian Diabetes Association [now known as Diabetes Canada], I became aware of diabetes and the organization,” says John.

This was also the beginning of his relationship with Diabetes Canada as a donor. “As my financial position improved, I used that to make donations,” says John, who worked as an investment professional until retiring 12 years ago. As a result, he knew the gift of securities—and specifically, the gift of stocks—was the way he wanted to make a difference. (Charitable donations of stock provide a tax-effective means of giving, as they eliminate tax on the capital gain that would be payable if you otherwise sold the security.) “Giving according to your needs and your ability can add up to a substantial investment in research and patient support.”

Supporting people with diabetes is important to John, but not just because of his mother. Now he is keeping an eye on his own health as well: after all, the risk of developing type 2 increases if an immediate family member lives with the condition or if you are over 40 years old. (There are a variety of other risk factors.) “For the past 20 years my A1C [the average blood sugar levels over a two- to three-month period] has been gradually easing higher, and I have reached the point where I now have type 2 diabetes,” says John. Armed with knowledge, he has so far been able to manage it successfully with diet and exercise.

John is happy to be making a difference.

I believe that if life has been good to you, then there’s an obligation to give something back. I think Diabetes Canada is doing a good job.

He adds, “This is a tough challenge, but together we can find a cure and End Diabetes.”

Did you know?

Legacy giving is a way to leave a generous and lasting gift, and support a cause you care about. Make Diabetes Canada an important part of your life story just as John has. Visit Leave a Legacy for Diabetes Canada now to learn more.