Bursary for Youth with Type 1 Diabetes 

When I was first diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, my family were worried that I wouldn’t be able to have the experiences other kids could. This bursary made all the difference, allowing me not only to share in an amazing experience, but go beyond what we thought was possible.

Diabetes Bursary recipient 2018

The T1D bursary will cover the trip fee and, at the discretion of the Diabetes Bursary Committee, some travel funds may be available if the recipient is from a distant location and in need of further financial support. Recipient selection is based on a multi-part application process specific to the Type 1 Diabetes Bursary.

The SALTS Bursary for Youth with Type 1 Diabetes provides an amazing opportunity for three young   people age 13–25 who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, to take part in a 10-day summer sail training voyage on Trip 1 Pacific Grace, the Salish Sea Adventure route. Sailing instruction is provided and no previous experience is required.

Eligibility

To be considered for the SALTS Bursary for Youth with Type 1 Diabetes, applicants must:

• be a Canadian resident between the ages of 13 – 25 who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes;
• complete the multi-part, online bursary application process which may include  follow-up questions directed to  them, their parent/guardian or their health care provider;
• provide a letter of reference from a health care professional, teacher, employer or family friend that describes the applicant’s character and suitability for a bursary award;
• demonstrate involvement in their community and an ambition to challenge themselves to toward personal growth and development.

Applicants must be capable of independently managing their diabetes by:

• appropriately checking blood glucose levels and responding to trends that vary from their typical routine 
• accurately calculating carbohydrate and nutrient content of meals
• adjusting insulin doses and food intake based on changes in physical activity, meal times, sleep schedule or potential illness
• administering their insulin injections and/or changing insulin pump infusion sites
• recognizing and managing hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and ketosis

The applicant’s financial status, type of insulin therapy used (i.e. syringe, insulin pen, insulin pump) and hemoglobin A1C are NOT part of the eligibility criteria.

Program Considerations
 

The 10-day voyage will take place aboard a traditional wooden tall ship, traveling to remote areas where emergency access to medical facilities will be limited. Everyone on board will be actively engaged in all aspects of sailing the ship which will require strenuous physical activity, such as raising and lowering sails. Other activities may include climbing the ship’s rigging, launching the ship’s dories, rowing, swimming, sports, games and hikes. In addition, trainees participate in regular night watch shifts, which can last several hours.

A volunteer crew member with diabetes support experience will attend the trip as a mentor for diabetic trainees; however, the SALTS crew and the diabetes mentor will not manage or administer diabetes treatment and SALTS will not take responsibility for any trainee’s medical care, beyond responding with standard first aid. All applicants must carefully consider their ability to self-manage their diabetes before applying for this opportunity.

The Story This very special bursary is provided by the generous family of a young woman with type 1 diabetes who first sailed with SALTS at the age of 15. After witnessing the profound impact of the SALTS voyage on their daughter's confidence to independently manage her life with diabetes, the family decided to make this life changing opportunity available to other young people with type 1 diabetes who might not otherwise have access to this type of adventure.

Whether it was diabetes or a fear of heights, we all came with our challenges that we were learning to overcome. It helped confirm to me that I was no different from anyone else there.

RACHEL - SALTS TRAINEE, DIAGNOSED WITH  DIABETES AT AGE 11