EMSB student joins Habs Max Domi as type 1 diabetes ambassador

As a kid, when Max Domi was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he always had the same answer: a hockey player. He was the son of a professional hockey player—Tie Domi—so he saw from an early age what it takes to make the NHL: grit, talent, and the support of a team. Over countless hours at the rink, on the driveway, and in the gym, Domi chased his dream. It seemed that he was born to be on the ice.

But when he was 12 years old, Max was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Overnight, he and his family found their lives upended. All he wanted was to be a normal kid, but suddenly the simplest things—a game of basketball with friends, a family meal, a school field trip—were scrutinized. Would he be made fun of if he carried his glucometer everywhere? Would his teammates think he was weak if his blood sugar went low at hockey practice? How much insulin did he need after a meal? And all the while, Domi felt the fear of what might happen if things went wrong on or off the ice. He had to grow up quickly. Domi beat the odds and made it to the NHL, serving as an inspiration to countless young hockey fans.

Olivia Medeiros, a nine year old Grade 4 student at the EMSB’s General Vanier Elementary School in St. Leonard, got to meet her hockey hero Max Domi of the Montreal Canadiens.

Like Olivia, Domi has type 1 diabetes (T1D). He has accepted the role of national spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). On Sunday June 9  he will join thousands of fellow participants at the Sun Life Walk to Cure Diabetes for JDRF   at the Centre de la nature de Laval. Last week he took part in a truly unprecedented and open conversation with 13 Montreal-area children affected by  T1D, including Olivia. The kids interviewed him on his experiences with T1D. 

Next fall  Domi will publish his memoir via  Simon and Schuster. The book is called No Days Off. Pre-orders are being accepted at  https://content.simonandschuster.ca/no-days-off/.

To find out more  about Sunday’s event and how to register log on to www.jdrfwalk.ca or call 514-744-5537 .

The goal is to raise  $5 million in walks taking place in 60 communities across the country.

See our special video with Olivia and Max.