Luke Kunin Coaches at Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp for Diabetic Patients

Luke Kunin was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 12. At that time, his hockey career could have easily been over. T1D (for short) is a form of diabetes that has extreme impacts on blood sugar levels, and thus it can severely impact athletic performance and of course, his health every minute of every hour.

However, Luke was able to overcome the adversity and is now a role model to kids who are in the exact situation: trying to play elite levels of hockey while managing T1D.

After entering the NHL, he became an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). In 2021, he also began his own initiative, the Luke Kunin T1D Fund to raise money to fund research of Type 1 Diabetes. In addition to the fundraiser, Kunin hosts meet and greets for kids to come to Sharks games (or even road games!) and talk with him about his experiences, get advice, and to just know they are not alone.

His efforts in the 22-23 season were

nominated

for the NHL's King Clancy Award which is presented "to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."

This off-season, Luke helped coach at the

Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp

in Florida. The hockey camp is 3 days long and provides education sessions for players and caregivers with on and off-ice sessions, dedicated CDEs on site to monitor player health & safety, and hosts social events to strengthen the bond of the Type 1 Timer Community.

Luke and his wife, Sophia (Forward, Team Harvey's PWHPA), joined the players on the ice as guest coaches going through drills and giving tips to the young skaters. Luke also spent time with players off the ice answering their questions about his career and T1D. "It was really special to be part of the camp this year", said Luke. "To be there for the kids and their families was something I wanted to do. My family and I had a great time."

Their day at camp ended with Luke, Sophia, his father Mark, and his mother Sheri, sharing stories and about living with T1D with all attendees including parents and families plus a Q & A session. The Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp was excited to have the entire Kunin family and see the impact they had on the kids. "We are grateful for LKT1Ds continued partnership with Type 1 Timer Hockey Camp and are thrilled Luke and Sophia were able to join the players on the ice this year", said Megan & Geoff Hoffmann, the Executive Director & President for Type 1 Timer Hockey. "It is incredibly special for the players and families to have the opportunity to spend time with Luke, Sophia, Mark, and Sheri, learning from their journey with type 1 diabetes- on and off the ice."

The Type 1 Timer Hockey is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and is "the only hockey camp in the United States developed specifically for those living with Type I Diabetes. Dedicated to providing hockey players living with Type I Diabetes a camp experience, T1T not only provides an opportunity to improve hockey skills but also offers education and support from a community who "get it"".

The Sharks winger's dedication, time, effort, and impact on Juvenile Type 1 Diabetes community only continues to grow and the Sharks are incredibly proud of Luke!

To find out more about the Luke Kunin T1D Fund and to help support, please

CLICK HERE

.