4 Friday, May 17, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com Marlene Grass, RN and Founder of The Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre (Best Centre) in Whitby, visited Rideau Hall (Ottawa) on May 8 to be presented with the Canadian Honours, Meritorious Service Decoration - Medal, from Governor General, Mary Simon. Officially created by the sovereign, Canadian honours are presented by the Governor General to celebrate and recognize extraordinary people for tremendous contributions to our country. Marlene was nominated for the Canadian Honours due to her many years of extraordinary service to the community of type 1 diabetes. She founded The Best Centre in 1989 and today it supports more than 2,000 children and adults living with type 1 diabetes. Marlene continues to actively contribute her time and knowledge as a member of the Board and active volunteer. "I was incredibly touched and inspired to accompany Marlene to this wonderful celebration and ceremony", said Lorrie Hagen, The Centre's Executive Director. "It was so special to see her humble appreciation and delight in knowing that her Best Centre, in its 35th year, is being credited as the national gem it has always been. We are so pleased to see her receive such well deserved and meaningful recognition." The Best Centre's mission is to keep children, youth and adults living with type 1 diabetes healthy until a cure is found. It delivers one-of-a-kind patient-centred healthcare exclusive to type 1 diabetes. As Canada's only stand-alone centre and charitable organization specializing in type 1 diabetes, the staff provides highly responsive and individualized care. The interdisciplinary care team includes registered nurses, dietitians and social workers who provide frontline healthcare and education throughout patients' lifetime. "We are immensely proud of Marlene's recognition with the Meritorious Service Decoration - Medal for her extraordinary contributions to the type 1 community, specifically for children living with Type 1 diabetes," said Serge Babin, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Her pioneering efforts have not only transformed lives but have also brought hope and healing to families across Durham Region and beyond. Marlene's dedication to innovative care models and her relentless advocacy for people living with type 1 exemplify the very best of Canadian values -- compassion, service, and resilience. Thank you, Marlene, today and every day!" Best Diabetes Centre Founder, Marlene Grass, presented with Canadian Honours