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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

This is still Diabetes Awareness month but for this show we will be interviewing Robert Betolas who just completed a ride across Canada to raise awareness of MS and to raise money for MS research. We will also discuss putting self into responsible Self Management of Chronic Disease and Medical self advocate.

Our Guests for this show: 

Robert Bertolas 

After living with serious setbacks due to the aggression of his MS, being hospitalized and unable to walk or take care of himself, Robert took a long hard look at the possibility of a future where he may be permanently disabled. He then started focusing on a more positive future putting his mind and body to the test to regain his self-esteem and he started eating properly and exercising.  After discovering a hidden passion for running, Robert started slowly conditioning his body to the point where he could run long distances with ease. In the process Robert lost close to 100 pounds, and sent his MS symptoms into remission. With a new found positive outlook on life, and regained self confidence, Robert became a person others looked to for inspiration, not only for people suffering from MS but for those who struggle to deal with everyday challenges.

In 2004 Robert met Suzanne Couchman and they formed the company Crossing Bridges Inc. The company was formed after Suzanne wrote Robert's biography about his life living with MS and as a way to raise funds for MS research. This also helped to raise awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Canadians.

Since March 3rd of 2007 Robert has been running and cycling across Canada to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for MS along with Suzanne and a dedicated team of people. He has reached out to thousands of Canadians, in person, on the TV, radio and in the newspapers, encouraging them to live life to the fullest and to believe that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart into it.

Robert has crossed, 9653 km in Canada and completed his ride in St. John's Newfoundland Sunday November 18, 2007.

Robert Bertolas, began his journey with an interview on CHLY with Lynn Thompson on her show Living on Purpose, Pam Edgar was a guest on that show as well.

For more about Robert's incredible life and his battle with MS read the books:

1-866-678-6871 to donate for MS research.

All proceeds will be going to the Myelin Project of Canada.  

For Information contact:

Suzanne Couchman - CAO Crossing Bridges Inc.  1-866-678-6871

The interview with Robert will be followed by more tips on self managing Chronic diseases and the Chronic Disease Self management Program That Pam helps other people with. For this segment we will be interviewing Mark Davies.

Theo Massop

  Theo was present when Robert began his ride and played his songs at the kick off events. Theo's songs are inspirational and he will perform live during the show.

Theo's wanting to contribute to the MS Society began with his eldest brother being diagnosed with MS in his fifties. Theo said,'He was not only my eldest brother, but my mentor in the music business. A musical journalist, in the last of his years he also focused on writing articles concerning the access struggles of those with physical challenges. Public awareness, and wheel chair access to public buildings,"

On March 4th, 2007 when Robert Bertolas made his stop in Nanaimo during his fund raising run across Canada, Theo performed at the ceremony in Maffeo-Sutton Park. Maffeo Sutton Park is in Nanaimo, BC.

Two of Theo's songs that have relevant themes to correspond with this show from Theo's my "Choices" CD are, "The Light Within" which is about finding inspiration from others and focusing on your own internal strengths, and the song "Happy Man" which is about how positive thoughts and actions return positive results.

Theo has a new song that has not been recorded that will be performed live on the show. The song is "Memories" that revolves around the theme of how the simple things in life create the best and longest lasting memories. There is a reference to his brother Gerry that came from a real life situation that occured within the last six months of his time here.

The song will be performed in memory of his brother.

Theo Massop is a singer / songwriter who has been performing in clubs, pubs, dance halls and festivals around Vancouver Island and the lower mainland for over thirty years. Being the youngest of seven siblings, all of whom were musical performers, he was truly immersed in an environment of love for music and the stage. Under the wings of his older brothers, Theo began performing at the early age of fourteen. His musical journey has taken him from church choirs to dance halls and bars, to festivals and concert venues. Theo released his first recording with the JT Combination band in 1972 and has pursued his passion for recording ever since. 1982 while working as a recording engineer and session player at Ensign Studio, Theo released his first solo effort which garnered a marked interest from the campus / college radio as well as attention from the adult contemporary genre. He has released five singles and two albums. The album Voyager achieved three charting singles in Canada, critical acclaim and international radio play. In August of 2006 Theo released his second album, "Choices".

Mark Davies

Mark coordinates the Chronic Disease Self- Management Program for the Fraser and Vancouver Island Health Regions. From December 2001 to March 2004, he coordinated the Diabetes Self-Management Program throughout the Province. His extensive business background in both administration and people skills has proven to be very useful in the co-ordination of these self-management programs for people, like himself, with chronic health conditions. Mark has a history of volunteerism both in the non-profit, business and sporting fields and is very interested in ensuring pertinent and timely delivery of community- based programs.

More communities on Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia will benefit from an expanded series of free University of Victoria courses that empower people with chronic diseases to take charge of their personal health.

"We're setting up new courses in the Nanaimo and Parksville areas and wherever we can to meet the demand for this hugely-successful program. Eventually we'd like to offer them in every community," says Mark Davies, coordinator of the Chronic Diseases Self-Management Program. "Participation makes a real difference in the quality of people's lives."

Established by the UVic Centre on Aging in April 2000, the program uses trained volunteers to assist people, their families and caregivers to access an array of tools to deal with the challenges of living with various chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, arthritis, fibromyalgia, mild depression and asthma.

The six-week courses are delivered by certified local volunteers, many living with chronic conditions themselves. Sessions offer practical skills for coping with the emotional and physical challenges of day-to-day living with chronic conditions, boosting participants' self confidence and enabling them to gain control over their diseases.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone:604-940-3580 or1-866-902-3767

 Mark V. Davies, CoordinatorChronic Disease Self-Management ProgramUniversity of Victoria, Centre on AgingTel (604) 940-3580 Fax (604) 940-2099Toll Free line: 1-866-902-3767Website: www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp