Rufus Dorsey was one of the many new Diabetes Summer Surgers involved in the 2010 campaign. His event, called “Dancing for Diabetes,” was a celebration of friendships and the good times that can be enjoyed even with a full-time disease like diabetes. “It was a night of dancing, fitness and fun all rolled into one,” says Rufus, who is an actor, certified fitness trainer and volunteer for the Canadian Diabetes Association in Vancouver.
When Rufus was 17, he should have been having the time of his life as a high school senior; instead he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He had just been voted Best Athlete, made the all-star football team, won a United States Army Scholar/Athlete Award and had even been voted prom king. Even though his diagnosis was devastating, it became a catalyst, prompting him to rise above the challenges of diabetes and to also help other people living with the disease.
“I want to motivate and inspire people living with diabetes by living an active lifestyle and being a role model,” Rufus explains. “Living with diabetes can be very hard and I have rough days – I’m human. But, then I just remember how we can all support each other.”
As a fitness trainer and a person living diabetes, Rufus understands the importance of physical activity to effectively manage the disease. For someone like Rufus who loves to dance, it may seem like nothing but fun, but it can make for an excellent workout. Dancing can burn as much as 500 calories, strengthen bones and improve balance. And the dancing can increase the cool factor – trust Rufus on that!
Rufus’ Dancing for Diabetes event took place on July 9, 2010 at the Republic Nightclub in Vancouver. “I’m doing this to help raise money for research and to promote diabetes awareness and prevention,” Rufus explains. He hopes that his Dancing For Diabetes event helped to inspire others to put on their dancing shoes and follow suit. “By getting involved you’re helping a great organization battle a disease that affects so many lives.”
