Jacob Manning
Hometown: Conception Bay South, Newfoundland
To set the Relay in motion, 13-year-old Jacob Manning was
selected as the first 25th Anniversary Relay Medal-Bearer for being
a true Difference Maker. From Conception Bay South, Newfoundland,
Jacob is a committed volunteer in his community, and encourages
youth to lead active healthy lifestyles, a passion sparked by his
diagnosed of Juvenile Diabetes in 2008. Each year, Jacob
participates in the JDRF Walk to raise funds for a cure for
Diabetes and he has won several public speaking contests promoting
his cause. Jacob also volunteers with the Canadian Diabetes
Association, recently supporting the Royal St. John's Regatta,
North America's oldest sporting event.
Inspired by Rick Hansen's attitude to live a healthy and active
lifestyle, Manning was chosen to participate in the Rick Hansen
Relay after entering the online contest at RickHansenRelay.com.
Jacob is excited to be selected as first Medal Bearer. "I have
the chance to promote healthy living in spite of a challenge. It's
a great opportunity to meet people with challenges in life, like
myself," said Jacob. "You can't give into challenges and let them
control your life. You have to adjust your way of living, but
always live a healthy and active lifestyle.
Jacob credits his nurse Donna Hagerty as the biggest difference
maker in his life. Jacob said Donna has been there for him since
the day he got his first Insulin Pump. "Donna makes living with
diabetes so much more positive and never looks at anything as
impossible!" said Jacob.
Jacob will run his 250-metre segment in honour of his
Grandmother Julia Manning who recently passed away and spent the
latter stage of her life in wheelchair.
This fall, Jacob will enter Grade 8 at Frank Roberts Jr. High in
Conception Bay South and hopes to earn a spot on the basketball
team.
More Medal-Bearer stories