Kamloops's Sean Campbell (far left) and Ajay Baines and their kids at a book signing pop-up event in Kamloops.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Sean Campbell

Former Kamloops Blazer’s captain Ajay Baines and his long-time friend Sean Campbell recently launched a children’s book.

Stand Out: The True Story of Hockey Hero Ajay Baines is about Baines’ successful hockey career despite a diagnosis of diabetes he received as a teenager.

“This guy was really good at hockey,” Campbell said. “He battled through diabetes to become captain of the Blazers. It was a storybook hockey career.”

Launched in November, the children’s book aims to entertain young readers, while inspiring them to pursue their goals regardless of challenges that come up, with strong themes of sportsmanship, perseverance and leadership.

Campbell first proposed the idea for the book three years ago, and Baines was hesitant at first. 

“I’ve never wanted to talk about my career,” Baines said. “Sean had written a couple of children’s books previously that we read to our daughters. He said how about we write one about me in a children’s style. Now, being a father you look at things differently. He said let’s make the focus of the book about diabetes and that sold me on it.”

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Baines played four seasons with the Blazers, one season in the East Coast Hockey League and nine years in the American Hockey League.

He played for the Greenville Grrrowl, Norfolk Admirals, Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights, Hamilton Bulldogs and Iowa Chops, scoring the Calder Cup-winning goal for Hamilton in 2007.

Baines was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 16 and said he found inspiration at the time from his doctor who informed him hockey legend Bobby Clarke also had the condition.

“There are worse things you can be dealt with where you have zero control,” he said. “This is a medical condition that is manageable, you still have a lot of control. I get to control what goes into my body and that is a positive thing.” 

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body has high sugar levels for long periods of time. It is caused when there isn’t enough insulin being produced, or there is insulin resistance. Baines is insulin-dependent and uses a pump, along with living a healthy lifestyle.

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Campbell said they have received inspiring feedback since the book launched on Nov. 1.

“Parents will say 'hey my kid has diabetes and ask us to say hello to them,” Campbell said. “It makes the kids feel seen and valued. Having diabetes is a tough road but your options are still limitless, that is the coolest part.”

The book is illustrated by Lana Lee, a professional illustrator in Pennsylvania.

Campbell is a publisher and author of two other children’s books.

Go here to purchase Stand Out: The True Story of Hockey Hero Ajay Baines on Amazon.

A percentage of book sales are going to the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes Canada.

“Ajay has always been a legend on and off the ice,” Campbell said.

A children's book by Kamloops author Sean Campbell, former hockey professional Ajay Baines and illustrator Lana Lee.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Sean Campbell

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