THE SUGAR FREE COLLECTION
The 2009 Sugar Free Collection features 19 pieces of colourful, bold female figures and faces by independent artist, Tennille Will. All of the paintings are done on canvas using an acrylic base with fine oil paint details. For every piece of artwork sold, Tennille will donate 50% of the proceeds back to the place that she credits for saving her life – the Diabetes Education Centre (DEC) at Toronto Western Hospital. Click here to view the 2009 Sugar Free Collection.

NEWS
Tennille Rose wins Inspired by Diabetes 2009 competition. Click here to read more.

SUGAR FREE PAINTINGS POEMS & PRESCRIPTIONS: THE BOOK
Her mother was ready to fight it, the Diabetes Education Centre was helping her
to learn to live with it, her friends were there to help her deal with, and now, Tennille is ready to work to cure it. Sugar Free Paintings Poems and Prescriptions is an original book published by Tennille herself, she hopes this book will bring awareness to diabetes. A portion of the sale of each book will be donated back to the DEC. Click here to purchase a copy of the book.

THE ARTIST: TENNILLE WILL
Tennille Will has suffered weight loss, extreme fatigue, physical weakness, numb hands and feet, confused thinking, and most frightening of all – vision loss

In spring 2006 Tennille ‘couldn’t see her hand in front of her face’. Close to panic, she had her eyes examined. The optometrist – alarmed – tested her blood sugar and found it so high, she was in danger of slipping into a coma that could lead to death. At Toronto Western Hospital Tennille was diagnosed with diabetes.

The Diabetes Education Centre (DEC) multi-disciplinary team has since taught her how to control her diet, inject insulin and prevent reactions.

Today, her vision is clear, her strength and weight are normal and her mental focus is sharp. “It’s
like I’ve been living in a fog and now I feel so good,” says Tennille. “I owe my life to the DEC.” Read more...

The Diabetes Education Centre (DEC)
Do you and your family and friends understand what diabetes is and how to manage it? The DEC can help you cope through teaching about:
• Healthy meal planning • Medications • Exercise • Blood sugar testing •
• Foot care • Stress management • Financial and community resources •

Education is provided individually and in groups in English, Portuguese, Chinese, Italian, Spanish and Vietnamese. Our professional healthcare team includes Dietitians, Nurses, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Social Workers, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists and Psychologists but we recognize that the most important member is YOU.

If you would like more information about Sugar Free Paintings, or to have a painting commissioned using your own blood testing strips, please contact Tennille at 416.897.8057, infotennille@yahoo.ca or www.tennille.ca

For more information please call Jodi Frers at Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation 416.416-603-5800 x3492 or jodi.frers@uhn.ca