Lana Mihell of Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) took a 25-storey plunge in downtown Vancouver to create awareness of an invisible disease.
Divisional Business Manager in KPU’s Faculty of Science, Mihell rappelled down the side of the Guinness Tower with daughter Natasha Mihell on Sept. 10 as part of an Easter Seals Drop Zone event.
“I have had Type 1 diabetes for almost 30 years, and I will do almost anything, including rappel off a building, to raise awareness and support for research that brings a functional cure to those living with this disease.”
Mihell has been living with Type 1 diabetes for most of her adult life. She has been helping raise awareness and funds for Type 1 diabetes research, treatments and a cure ever since her diagnosis.
Her team, the "Type 1 Warriors," raised $3,675 at the 19th annual Drop Zone event while achieving its goal of raising awareness of the “invisible disease.”
Drop Zone is run by Easter Seals BC/Yukon, a division of the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. Easter Seals’ mission is to provide programs and services to persons with diverse abilities to help build their self-esteem, self-confidence, and sense of independence.
Easter Seals Nova Scotia hosted the first Drop Zone event in Halifax in 2005. After its inaugural success, Drop Zone was adopted by Easter Seals provincial organizations across Canada. Since then, over 9,200 brave fundraisers have safely and successfully stepped over the edge and collectively raised over $16 million for Easter Seals programs and services in support of Canadians living with disabilities.
Mihell and her daughter were joined by more than 50 others who made their descent down the Guinness Tower.
