John Chick is well known for his defensive prowess, especially when he was a defensive end with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Off the field, he takes on a different role as a spokesperson for those with juvenile diabetes.
That is why he was in Humboldt on Mar. 14 to talk at the Tackle Diabetes Innovations and Inspirations speaking engagement at the Canalta.
Chick says it was a shock when he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when he was 14-years-old, but Chick was there to inform people on the many things he uses in his life to keep himself healthy.
It’s a 24-hour condition, he says, when it comes to watching his diet and exercise, drinking lots of water, and either taking multiple injections or wearing an insulin pump.
Chick says believing in himself, and his belief in God, helped him through.
Another message Chick presented to the crowd was to not limit themselves.
“Don’t limit yourself based on this or that and remind them that, yeah, this is going to be tough work.”
Chick says his experience with his diabetes has made him a better person and a stronger football player, even going so far to say that he would not have made it this far without the condition.
Chick was very proud to be apart of the community to spread his message.
“To get to share with everyone that went through what I went through, just to give them that comfort and I went through the same thing as a little guy and I’m here today.”
When he was a kid, Chick had his own people to look up to. That it is important for kids to have that person that lets them know that things are possible for them and give them hope.
“Most of what I’m hoping to do is to give these guys hopes in things they can accomplish.”
Chick himself is on the insulin pump which has provided him a lot more freedom and less fluctuations in blood sugar.
The pump is a wonderful device that can really help the care of a diabetic.
Moving to Hamilton is going to be interesting for Chick, especially with his new gym, JC Crossfit, now open in Regina. But he says he will go easy on the green and white.
No matter where he plays, he has always had supportive coaching staff that has allowed him to do what he needs to do to manage his diabetes, from giving him time to test and having Gatorade ready for him at the sidelines.
