Lukas and Victoria Yerlitz 

CHANGING THE CONVERSATION for People Living With Diabetes

Meet Lukas (9) and Victoria (12) — two energetic, determined siblings who fill their days with as much movement, laughter, and joy as possible. They love hockey, waterparks, swimming, biking, and spending countless hours at the rink cheering each other on. Together, they prove every day that living with type 1 diabetes doesn’t mean living with limits. 

Their family’s journey with type 1 diabetes began suddenly and unexpectedly. 

In December 2023, Lukas became critically ill at just 7 years old and was rushed to SickKids Hospital in Toronto. He was diagnosed in the ICU with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a terrifying, life-threatening emergency. Experiencing DKA was the scariest moment of their family’s lives, something they would never wish on anyone. Even in the middle of that fear and uncertainty, Lukas showed remarkable courage and strength. 

Only a few months later, in April 2024, Lukas faced another major challenge: open heart surgery to repair a rare heart abnormality. Today, he is thriving — full of resilience, energy, and the unstoppable spirit he brings to every rink, pool, and bike trail. 

After Lukas’ diagnosis, his siblings were tested through TrialNet. Their brother Alexander was cleared, while Victoria tested positive for markers and was closely monitored in the months that followed. 

In October 2024, at 10 years old, Victoria was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Because of early detection, she avoided the crisis her brother had experienced — something her family is deeply thankful for. Victoria met her diagnosis with maturity well beyond her years, and she continues to face diabetes with quiet strength and confidence. 

Now 12, Victoria is thriving both on and off the ice. She loves hockey and volunteers every week helping younger kids learn to skate — something that brings her as much joy as her own practices. She has a natural gift for caring for others and dreams of becoming a firefighter or paramedic. Away from the rink, her creative side shines through her love of crochet, cooking, gardening, and art. 

Though their diagnoses came in different ways, living with type 1 diabetes has brought Lukas and Victoria closer than ever. They encourage one another through highs and lows, celebrate victories, and navigate challenges as a team. Their bond is built on strength, empathy, and shared resilience. 

Type 1 diabetes also runs deep in their family. Their mom experienced gestational diabetes with all three children, their dad lives with type 1 diabetes, and their grandmother has managed it for more than 40 years. Even with that history, nothing prepares you for hearing the diagnosis spoken about your children — and certainly not twice. Their family faces this journey together. 

With the help of their insulin pumps, the support of their community, and each other, Lukas and Victoria continue to live full, active, joyful lives. Whether they’re skating hard at the rink, racing down waterpark slides, swimming with their brother, biking around the neighbourhood, or simply being kids — they show the world that type 1 diabetes may be part of their lives, but it does not define them. 

And their story is proof of something powerful: type 1 diabetes doesn’t take away your strength — it reveals it. You discover resilience you didn’t know you had, and with the right tools and support network, you can keep doing the things you love. 

Their family is endlessly proud of their courage, determination, and the bright, generous spirits they carry into the world. 



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