In 2015, while on a school trip in Italy, my 17-year-old sister was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. Since then, my sister, Ghalia, has faced and will continue to face numerous obstacles due to her condition. While living in Lebanon the technology and support available to her was extremely limited. We were told that our only option to improve the quality of her life would be an insulin pump. Luckily at the time my parents were in a position where they could fund a pump privately as there is no public health care service in Lebanon. My sister still struggled throughout our time in Lebanon, both due to the lack of information and education available to people about what Diabetes is, as well as the limited Diabetes tech and insulins available to people. 

When we moved to the UK, my sister was greeted by an incredible team including a consultant, Diabetic nurse and dietician. After being taken off her insulin pump due to lack of funding, going through a very turbulent period, Ghalia was then offered one of the best and latest insulin pumps. I have witnessed through my sister how much her quality of life can change depending on the care (or lack of care) provided by her medical team, as well as new and updated tech given to her. 

I have always told myself that I could not run. Living with my sister has inspired me to appreciate what my body CAN do. I CAN run, because I am healthy. There are days where Ghalia's body and her joints, specifically, hurt so much, that she cannot walk, and she is only 24 years old. I am running in celebration of what my body CAN do. I am running because I want to raise money for Diabetes Research & Wellness so they can continue to put money towards very needed research to ensure that people like my sister can have the best quality of lives. I want Ghalia and anyone else who has Type One Diabetes to be able to run if they so wish. 

Thank you for reading the above. If you wish to donate, it would mean the world to myself and to Ghalia. If you cannot donate, please share with friends and family. 

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