A diabetes diagnosis is never music to anyone’s ears, but award-winning Canadian country music superstar and occasional actor George Canyon was not one to let that prevent him from achieving success. Using his fame as a platform, this Nova Scotian is a vocal advocate for diabetes awareness and care, and an avid supporter of youth living with the condition.
Diagnosed at age 14 with Type 1 diabetes, Canyon was no stranger to this condition which ran in his family. While the diagnosis threatened his first dream of becoming a pilot in the Canadian Air Force, it did inspire him to pursue a career in medicine. He completed his pre-med studies with honours and was on track for medical school before changing course for musical stardom. Today, Canyon’s success has been celebrated with numerous awards and recognitions, including an induction into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame, a certified Platinum Award for his debut album, two Juno Awards and 7 Canadian Country Music Association Awards.
As a musician, Canyon spends much of his time on tour, presenting unique challenges for maintaining his diabetes as he balances his busy schedule with appropriate timing for food. He focuses on consistent exercise, has go-to meals and takes advantage of technology to help keep him on track so that he can focus on his music career. His time in the limelight has provided him with a platform to advocate for others with Type 1 diabetes and to support the search for a cure. Knowing the effects of the condition personally drove him to become a national spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, through which he speaks with youth and families and holds fundraisers. None of his childhood heroes had or talked about rising above health conditions to achieve their dreams, so Canyon makes sure to do just that – acting as a role model for youth with diabetes and providing support to their families. While Canyon’s family life is usually the inspiration for his songs, he has been considering writing diabetes-specific tunes in the future to pump up kids at diabetes camps!
A man of many passions, Canyon never forgot his own childhood dream of becoming a military pilot. After years of advocating to help others living with diabetes pursue their military and aerial passions, Canyon himself became a private pilot and was named an Honorary Colonel in the Canadian Air Force. His work helped Austen McDonald become the world’s first commercial pilot with pre-existing Type I diabetes.
For his philanthropic contributions and dedicated advocacy, Canyon received recognition with the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Canadian Country Music Awards, as well as the Diabetes Advocacy Award from Diabetes Canada.
Canyon continues to thrive as a country music icon and makes time to share his experiences with diabetes in new ways, including featuring the stories of others on his podcast, Life as a Diabetic. Most of all, Canyon wants to lead by example, speaking passionately about pursuing one’s dreams despite adversity. “Don’t hold back”, as he expresses in his song Let It Out. Canyon exemplifies that success and a fulfilling life are all possible with diabetes, and determination is one part of that multi-faceted journey.
— Written by Sandhya Mylabathula