Animas to host Canadian tour to inspire, entertain people living with Type 1 diabetes

Animas Corporation Hosts Diabetes Events in Halifax, Toronto and Calgary

Animas Corporation is teaming up with Country Music Star George Canyon and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to host a three-city, Canadian tour designed to inspire and entertain people living with Type 1 diabetes. Children and adults with diabetes, as well as their families are invited to attend for free. Reservations are required.

Kicking off May 2, the George Canyon & Friends Diabetes Heroes Tour will visit Halifax, Toronto and Calgary. During the tour stops, George Canyon and four other diabetes heroes will share their insights and strategies for living powerfully with Type 1 diabetes, a disease that impacts more than 300,000 Canadians. The goal is to show people and families impacted by diabetes that anyone can live their dreams, no matter what the odds.

"After I was diagnosed with diabetes, I worried that I would never be capable of achieving my dreams," said George Canyon, an award-winning country music artist, certified pilot, Honorary Colonel in the Canadian Air Force and a National Spokesperson for the JDRF. "I am thrilled to be partnering with Animas and the JDRF to help empower people with diabetes and motivate them to take control of their disease and live out their dreams."

Canyon has been living with Type 1 diabetes since he was 14. During the George Canyon & Friends Diabetes Heroes Tour, George will share his own personal story of living with diabetes and sing selected songs from his new album, "Better Be Home Soon."

At each tour stop, George will be joined by four additional role models living with diabetes who are pursuing their dreams and spreading messages of hope and inspiration including:

-- Joe Solowiejczyk - a nurse, diabetes educator and family therapist, who has personally lived with Type 1 diabetes for 50 years. Joe will share his experience and insights on how family dynamics impact diabetes management. -- Jordan DePape - a 19-year-old centre for the WHL's Kamloops Blazers, who was the MJHL rookie of the year in 2008-09 and diagnosed with diabetes at age 13. -- Lindsey Carswell - a ski instructor from Banff who is heading to university for the first time and in the process of getting her private pilot's license. Lindsay was diagnosed with diabetes at age 13. -- Mike Fisher - a 24-year-old amputee and competitive snowboarder on the Canadian National Para-Snowboarding Team. Mike has lived with diabetes since the age of 19.

"It's so important for children and families living with Type 1 diabetes to have role models to look up to - people just like them who can provide encouragement to conquer their disease", said Andrew McKee, President and CEO, JDRF. "The strength and perseverance of George and the Diabetes Heroes are inspirational to us. JDRF is honored to partner with George and Animas Canada on this special event."

Event details include: -- Monday, May 2, 2011 5:00-9:00 p.m. Neptune Theatre - Fountain Hall 1593 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS -- Tuesday, May 3, 2011 5:00-9:00 p.m. The Great Hall 1087 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON -- Wednesday, May 4, 2011 5:00-9:00 p.m. Calgary Zoo - Safari Lodge 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, AB.

Admission is free to all events; however, seating is limited and reservations are required.