For the longest time, Jack Stephen had a secret.

Then Kaleb Dahlgren visited Silverwood Heights School and Jack, a Grade 2 student, no longer needed to keep his diabetes hidden.

Dahlgren, a hockey player with the Humboldt Broncos, lives with diabetes. He launched his Dahlgren's Diabeauties program to share his story, inspire children with diabetes and raise awareness about the disease and the people it affects.

His visit to Silverwood Heights in March was an inspiration. Seeing Dahlgren's success as an athlete and his openness in sharing his story helped Jack recognize that being the only student in the school with diabetes was something he no longer had to hide.

"After you came, Kaleb, I felt better about myself because I always saw people looking at me and wondering what was on my arm, but now they know what it is," Jack told a school assembly when Dahlgren returned for a second visit on May 17.

"You helped me with diabetes because you helped me make it easier. You kind of showed me that I don't have to hide it anymore; I can even roll my sleeves up. Thank you for coming into my life Kaleb."

Dahlgren's return to the school was a result of the inspiration provided during his initial visit when he spoke to the students about diabetes and how he lives with the disease. In response, the school's students and staff launched a fundraiser that raised $402.53 for the program and JDRF, a foundation that leads research in to Type 1 diabetes.

For Dahlgren, the contribution to diabetes research was welcome but learning about the effect his first visit had on both Jack and the rest of the students was particularly gratifying.

"It means so much for me to hear because growing up I had the same issues he did," Dahlgren said. "People in class were like 'What are you doing? Why are you doing this?' and you get peppered with questions. That he is able to talk with his friends and they are able to understand what he is going through it really means a lot. That is awesome to hear."

During the assembly, students shared the lessons that Dahlgren had taught them, not only about diabetes but the importance of overcoming obstacles in life.

"We could see from the assembly that Kaleb had become quite a role model for Jack, but he had also become someone we all could admire," said student Noah Dean. "Kaleb talked about working hard to lead a normal life and he also told us how he had worked extra hard to maintain his health while being active."

The connection between Jack and Dahlgren is has been exciting for both of them. For Jack, it provided confidence to share his story and invite his schoolmates to join in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes that takes place June 10, beginning at 11 a.m. from École Victoria School. More information is available on the JDRF website.

"I felt better about myself because I realized that diabetes is hard and you have to deal with stuff in life that's complicated," said Jack, adding that telling his story has helped people understand diabetes and given them facts so they don't make things up.

Dahlgren, who is recovering from injuries sustained during the Broncos bus crash, expressed his thanks during the assembly for the donation and also talked about his team and his recovery process.

He had welcomed the opportunity to play hockey in Humboldt because it provided greater opportunities to raise awareness about diabetes. He appreciates the support the program has received and how all youth — both those with diabetes and those without — have responded to his message.

"I think it is awesome that we are able to reach out to people and families and let them know that Type 1 diabetes does affect people and that we are trying to find a cure right now. We are going to do whatever it takes and this is just one step to finding that cure," he said.

"I was expecting to make a little impact. I really wanted people to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, there is positivity with having this disease, and they are able to pursue their dreams and passions. I can't believe how much this has taken off and I am very thankful for that."