Fernandes Learns To Balance Diabetes And Hockey
Six-year-old Antonio Fernandes of Chatham at the DSkate camp in Milton – Contributed Photo
Fernandes attended the Dskate camp, which is designed for athletes with diabetes, to help them learn how to manage their blood sugar levels, through nutrition and exercise, while remaining competitive in sports.
“The camp is awesome,” says Fernandes.
“I am learning that you have to control your blood sugar, because if you are on the ice and you have a really bad low and no one is on the bench you would have to skate to the bench and treat your low which interrupts the game,” explained Fernandes about what he is learning at the camp.
Antonio is a type one diabetic, meaning he is insulin dependant and that his pancreas no longer works for him. Diagnosed when he was two-years-old, Fernandes has been on an insulin pump for the past three years, but remains active in sports including soccer, baseball, and hockey.
“I feel better when I have good blood sugars when I play,” continued the youngster, who is also learning skills like backward skating and shooting on the ice at the camp.
For his mother, Melissa Fernandes, she’s grateful to have the opportunity for her son to learn about his diabetes, improve his hockey skills with NHL players on hand, and to further break down the barriers that Antonio may face from living with Type 1 Diabetes.
“At this camp he is like every other child around him,” explains Melissa Fernandes, about the educational, and athletic opportunities Antonio is experiencing at DSkate. “He can train on the ice, test on the bench, treat a low, talk carb counts, administer insulin, laugh, play and not worry. I can let him enjoy that and not have to hover because I know he is safe. I have never had this opportunity, nor has he.”
“This camp is life changing,” continued Fernandes, a local artist, and teacher at UCC. “He is walking taller, with a huge smile and proud of his accomplishments on the ice and with his diabetes. What other child gets to say he has been on the ice with two NHL players, NHL coaches and Olympic athletes, all because of diabetes.”
For the Fernandes family, having Antonio learn to independently manage his diabetes, all while developing his on ice skills, and playing a game he loves, is invaluable.
“Diabetes is a chronic disease, it is relentless and people know little of the exhausting impact it can have on someone’s life,” explains Melissa Fernandes. “DSkate is a camp that almost erases that feeling and reminds the children and the parents of all you can be and all you can celebrate as a result of being type one diabetic.”
“My son is a warrior and relentless with sports. He pushes himself hard, works through his challenges and comes out stronger. He makes me beyond proud and inspires me everyday.”