November 1, 2008

From Brian:

John, I too have Type 1 diabetes and have been living with it for the last 24 years. I was just shopping for a new insulin pump when I thought about you. What type of pump do you use? I am curious because I am a marathon runner and I keep active all year long. Thank you John for helping to inspire many kids out there who have diabetes and are wondering if they can play sports and be active. Good Luck in the playoffs this year. Brian Go Riders Go!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian,

I use the Medtronics Minimed Paradigm Insulin Pump, version 722. I absolutely love it. It is very durable and easy to use. The version 722 has continuous glucose monitoring capabilities which have helped me tremendously with knowing where my blood sugar is at various times throughout the day. Such as practice, games, just after a meal, and throughout the night as well. I believe this technology could be very beneficial to someone such as yourself who is so active. It can really help prevent any major highs or lows that you might be dealing with. If you have further questions feel free to ask.

Thank You

John Chick

From Quincy:

Hi john nice website any way heres my question ,why do you where the # 97? and how do you like saskatchewan so far? any way thanks for playing with somuch hart by quincy

Quincy,

My family and I love Saskatchewan. It has been great to us and seems like a great community to raise a family in. My wife and I aren't the big city type and Regina seems to be the perfect size with plenty to do. I wasn't the biggest fan of last winter but, were used to that too and we stayed active enough to keep our minds off of the weather. #97 just happens to be the number I was issued when I got here but I could have picked a better one. I always wanted to wear a number in the 90's. In high school I wore number 86 because I played offense as well. Then, when I got to college I was asked to where number 37 as part of a tradition there. When I went to Houston out of college I was issued number 67, a number that was a good hint of their interest level in me, and so it seemed fitting to keep the number 7 in my jersey number. I finally got the 90's number I wanted and it seems to be a good fit.

Thanks for visiting the site

John Chick

From Garth:

When will the Jerseys be on sale? Are they game worn? I have purchsed your Grey Cup game worn glove (from the Mrs. Tillman auction) and would love to add to my collection. Good Luck in Toronto this week and against B.C. then Calgary and finally Monreal, Winnipeg or Edmonton!

Garth,

How's it going, hope things are well. The jersey's should be on sale here soon, hopefully by the weekend if not sooner. The Jersey is not game worn, I just can't part with those. This jersey is an authentic jersey, identical to the ones that were worn in 2007. It is a spare in the 2007 green. As you know the colour of our jersey's are different this year. If you have further questions feel free to ask.

Thanks for your questions, I hope that I helped.

John Chick

From Greg:

Hey JC, first off let me say im a huge fan, and hope to see you in rider green for a long time!My question is. How difficult did you find this season to continually get injured, only to come back and get a different injury. How did you approach this as a pro. Thanks Greg

Greg,

This season was very difficult for me personally. I love playing football especially game day and I came into this season with some big expectations for myself. To be cut short of some of my personal goals and kept off the field apart from my team was very discouraging. However, it has been awesome to still be apart of a team that has dealt with so many distractions and injuries and have been able to overcome. I wouldn't take back one thing that I did on the field this year. I try to play every play 100% like it's my last and this year was a good eye opening experiece and reminder for me to not take this game for granted. Myself and the teams number one goal is still in tact and that is to get another Grey Cup. When that happens nothing else that has happened will matter.
When you get injured you have to approach it like starting over getting ready for the next season/game. From that point you have to do what you can control and get in as great as shape as possible so you can be ready for your next opportunity.
The other major factor that really helped was all the family and friends that I had praying for me. Without faith I don't know how I might have handled it.

Thanks for your questions

John Chick

From Dave:

Hi John, I don't really have a question. I just wanted to tell you that my Wife, and I had the pleasure of meeting your Mom, Dad, and Sister at a recent home game during the tailgate party in the practice field. They were very nice people. We had a nice visit with them after they asked to sit with us. You guys must be from a small town as after our short visit they entrusted us to watch ALL of their belongings while they took in the festivities at the tailgate. LOL Trust like that only comes from small town folk (Like Us we are in Moose Jaw) Your Dad's description of Wyoming Antelope hunting really piqued my curiosity. I may have to visit your Home State sometime, and try it out. We do have 1 small thing in common... I also played football beside Scott Schultz... He is a character LOL In fact (and not tooting any horns here) I probably am responsible for him playing for the Riders, because he wasn't going to play football at all... he wanted to be a Volleyball player, but I forced him to come out and play football instead. I am very proud of your effort to raise awareness for Diabetes, as my father is diabetic. It is very important that people in your position speak out about things as your public voice brings greater awareness, and support. Thanks for that John. We are very happy to see you back on the field, and you had a really great game against the SCHMOS (Eskimos). Good luck in Toronto, and Godspeed toward another Grey Cup Championship. God Bless Dave, and Jackie Hariniuk

Dave and Jackie,

Yah, I come from a town of about 20,000-25,000 and my folks even smaller towns. Thanks for taking care of them on their visit. Thanks a lot for your comments and appreciation. You'll definately have to get to Wyoming for some hunting. It's some of the best in the world from what I understand.

Thanks for the Visit

John Chick



From Cheyenne:

Just a comment I am glad you are back. Its like you never got injured. You played an awesome game along with the rest. Great job guys. Keep up the good work. I will keep praying for you all. Like Austin said : "We are not here to compete, we are here to be Champions." and that you are. Good luck in Toronto may God be with you all.

Cheyenne,

Thanks for your comments and all your prayers. I know those prayers guided us last year through the Grey Cup and have continued to bless us this year dispite all the injuries.

Thank You

John Chick

From Jen:

John, That is an excellent website you have, this coming from me and many others. Congratulations for all the work you do off the field. The entire Rider Nation is behind you and the team. Oh and what an excellent game you had against Edmonton. We believe. Go Riders Go Jen

Jen,

Thank you for your comment on the site and the game. I'm not sure where we'd be without the Rider Nation!

Thanks

John Chick