Bardown for Bently to raise money for diabetes research

A local boy from the Lakeland is looking to fundraise and his hockey team is finding a creative way to help him.

Bently Arcand was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was five years old, which entails several daily needles and finger pokes to monitor blood sugar levels.

“I was really scared when the doctor told me I had diabetes. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to play hockey anymore,” he said.

“Thankfully I am able to play hockey with the Lakeland Lightning team.”

Bently typically raises money door-to-door every November in support of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) but due to COVID, he can’t pound the pavement in the same way.

That’s where his U11 Lakeland Lightning team is stepping up.

This upcoming weekend the Lightning are pledging $5 per family for every goal scored at their showcase November 13-15.

“We thought we would help him reach his fundraising goal or even beat his other fundraising goals,” said team manager Stephanie Heyer.

The team has also set up a GoFundMe page.

In just a week of fundraising, $1275 has been raised toward the cause.

Over the years, walks and other fundraising events have been held in the Lakeland to raise awareness about JDRF and their work.

“P.S don’t get diabetes. It sucks.”