About Us

Until There’s a Cure, There’s Diabetes Hope Foundation
For all of these children we share the vision of a world without diabetes. Until then, Diabetes Hope Foundation’s unique focus is on reaching out directly to these youth and their families today and helping them cope with the financial and emotional burden of living with diabetes and giving them hope for a healthier and brighter future.

Diabetes Hope Foundation’s mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life for Ontario children and adolescents living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and help them achieve their full potential in education, self management and future independence.

The ONLY Canadian Charity Providing Support Directly to Children and Youth with Diabetes
Diabetes Hope Foundation was created in 1999 by the current Chair, Barbara Pasternak, who has three children, two of whom live with type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. As her boys grew and made their way through the medical system, Barbara became acutely aware of gaps in the health care system for youth with diabetes.

Diabetes Hope Foundation was created to fill that gap and help families struggling with the financial and emotional challenges of children living with diabetes. We believe that by focusing on these youth today, we can create healthier and more productive adults tomorrow.

Our programs provide children and adolescents who live with diabetes each and every day with the survival tools they need to achieve success in all areas of their lives and to maintain good health in the years to come. With our help, these children can grow to adulthood with greater awareness of the importance of proper management of their diabetes, greater confidence and self-esteem and the ability to live as healthy and productive adults.

Empowering Youth in Transition to Persevere and Thrive
Diabetes Hope Foundation provides financial assistance, encouragement and support at crucial points of transition in the lives of these children. Working closely with medical and health professionals specializing in youth and diabetes across Ontario, Diabetes Hope Foundation continues to respond to the changing needs of these youth by providing programs and support when and where they need it most.