Berlin, you’re next up on the 6 star chase! I'll be taking on the Berlin Marathon on Sunday 29 September 2024. If you are able to donate to help me reach my target goal for Team JDRF, and the type 1 diabetes community I would be very grateful.

Running for my type 1 diabetic brothers and sisters and once again with Team JDRF.

We run for the cause, we run for a cure, to raise awareness, educate others spread love, inspire, to show other T1D’s that anything is possible even when we think we can’t, and last but not least, to help raise money so we can find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. 

Being a T1D myself for 20 years now I’m very passionate about being an advocate and spreading awareness.  I've also made so many mistakes with T1D and I love to try and turn those into learning lessons for myself but most importantly, for others! 

Running gives me a platform to not only raise money but raise that awareness and talk to people about what T1D actually is and the challenges it can present on a day to day basis. I believe strongly in being an advocate for T1D that I volunteer with JDRF as an Out Reach Ambassador…

What is that?? Out Reach Ambassadors have the honor and privilege of speaking with those newly diagnosed with T1D, maybe someone who’s been diagnosed for awhile and is struggling, or families of newly diagnosed because let’s be honest, it impacts everyone around you and that’s in your life. This team helps answer questions, provide feedback and support, educate others, work with families over the course of time, give advice, and truly be there for those who need someone to speak to.

So what is Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition. With this condition, the pancreas makes little, or in most cases, no insulin. Insulin is a hormone the body uses to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. 

This disease impacts millions and millions and millions worldwide.

Why Running?

Why not? It’s where I go to think but not think, be happy, but also miserable, and find some happiness in that misery along the way! I try my best to use running as a way to show all people, but in particular type 1 diabetics, that anything is possible and we are still capable of achieving amazing accomplishments. While also doing things we think we wouldn’t be able to do because of our diagnosis. There are no limits.  To me it’s more than just running. I love it and all the things I feel and experience while on a run. I think it's fair to say I run to find a cure! Whether that’s in a race or just on one of my daily runs.I like to think on my runs, especially these long races, that I can help carry the weight for all other diabetics, even if just for a few hours or for a day. I’ll take their load and shoulder that weight for the day and find inspiration through their struggles. I hope to show them anything is possible.  I’ve been there with my own ups and downs and know how it feels to battle. In races, in life, and with T1D. Consistency and discipline will always see you through. Can’t stress that enough!

Should I be scared of T1D?

Initially it will scare the hell out of you because there is a massive learning curve when first diagnosed, and it can be immensely overwhelming!  However, it's not to be feared.  As with anything else new there will be growing pains. Please do not let T1D scare you into a certain way of living.  To be honest, we are blessed to live the way we do.  Yes, I agree, and empathize that changing injection sites, changing pumps, CGM locations, checking blood sugars, carb counting, low blood sugars, high blood sugars, etc. can all be frustrating, and annoying.  But it's not something to back down from.  Yes, you will have days where you don't feel like dealing with all of things mentioned above.  

But isn't that also life?? Doesn’t everyone have those days??

Yes and yes. And just like life you find a way to navigate those days and “win the day”. That’s T1D EVERYDAY, but you find a way to “win the day” and that’s how you grow as a person and a T1D, consistency. Just show up! If you can make it through 1 day as a T1D what is it that you can’t do?? Things that others find difficult or overwhelming probably won’t be difficult for you because you’re already doing the hard work every day as a diabetic. Trust me on this one.  T1D will only control you though, if you allow it to.  Once the fear goes away you'll see there is nothing to fear at all, but instead you see opportunities.  Those can be different for everyone.  Maybe you want to get more involved with the T1D community.  Maybe it makes you want to change your lifestyle to get healthier.  Perhaps you want to be an advocate, raise money, help others, etc.  My advice, follow the heart. 

Why are we blessed to live this way?

You now have an opportunity to live a very healthy, and clean lifestyle by monitoring what you eat, mixed with exercise, and other healthy routines you can begin to thrive.  You have insights that others don't.  Embrace the lifestyle, don't fight it, and you will be rewarded for it.Are we lucky?Maybe.  I can tell you in all likelihood that I probably wouldn't be doing what I'm doing with JDRF as an advocate and an Outreach Ambassador Volunteer, which allows me to talk w/ newly diagnosed patients or family members of patients to help answer questions, provide positive reinforcement, educate, and help others find their way as they transition into a new lifestyle.  So for those reasons, yes, I do consider myself to be lucky.  

Why JDRF?

They are an amazing charity/organization looking for ways to find a cure and find ways to either delay the onset of T1D and look for preventive measures.I have joined Team JDRF (again) to raise funds for the millions of people living with and affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D). The money I raise will help JDRF fund critical research to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people's lives until no one has to fear developing the disease.Please support me and donate to my fundraising campaign. Your gift will make a difference for millions of people affected by this devastating, life-threatening disease.I appreciate any and all size contributions!

Thank you.

"Let the Good Times Roll"

Ryan

JDRF is committed to eradicating type 1 diabetes and its effects for everyone around the world and those at risk of developing it. To work towards a day when there is no more type 1 diabetes JDRF is:

- Funding world-class research approved and administered by an international research program to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes

- Making sure research moves forward and treatments are delivered as fast as possible

- Giving support and a voice to people with type 1 and their families

- Joining a global movement to create a world without type 1

Every £ raised makes a huge difference, so please give whatever you can to support me and JDRF.