Over the last thirteen years, marathoning has provided me with an opportunity to push myself in ways I never thought I could. I never imagined back in 2012 when I started this journey, that running the 2026 Sydney Marathon for Breakthrough T1D, would be my 21st marathon. In March of 2024, I ran the 2024 Tokyo Marathon and finished my 6th World Marathon Major, a feat only 20K-ish people to date have accomplished. Since then, the Sydney Marathon has been added as a 7th Abbott World Major Marathon, and I'm excited to have an opportunity to be one of less than 1,000 people in the world to have earned my 7th star to date.

Securing my 7th star is important, but even more important, T1D is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. A little over 16 years ago, I received the worst telephone call of my life. My father informed me that my mother, Beverly, had passed away due to complications caused by her Type I diabetes. Her passing shocked us all, as we had spent the previous weekend celebrating her 55th birthday in Florida. My parents were high school sweethearts and had just returned from a sunset cruise. They were working out together when my mom collapsed and was unable to be revived.

I was fortunate in 2023 to be selected to run the 2023 London Marathon for the former JDRF team which has since become Breakthrough T1D. It was such an amazing chance to run for a cause that had directly impacted my family. My mom was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) at age 11 and battled this disease for 44 years. I can remember seeing my mom give herself shots of insulin multiple times per day. For most of my childhood, my mom was in and out of the hospital. She lost sight in her right eye and nearly lost it in her left. Her health issues never made her feel pity. She took them head on and never complained. I vowed back in 2009, when she unexpectedly passed away, that I would do everything to keep her memory alive and help find a cure for those impacted by diabetes daily. Running has been my way of honoring my mother’s legacy and keeping her memory alive for all of those that loved her.

I know firsthand that Breakthrough T1D works tirelessly to find better treatments, preventions and ultimately, a cure for T1D and its complications through critical research. Every dollar I raise can be directed toward this research.

It will be an honor to represent Breakthrough T1D once again at the 2026 Sydney Marathon. I will be proud to wear the Breakthrough T1D singlet as I run through the streets of Sydney.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. I am so excited to take on the TCS Sydney Marathon 2026 for Breakthrough T1D. Please donate whatever you can to help me reach my target.

Breakthrough T1D are the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy charity; they help make everyday life with T1D better while driving toward cures.

Today, they are breaking down barriers to improve life with T1D. They do this by connecting the brightest minds and investing in the most promising research, campaigning for access to treatments and technology and supporting the T1D community.

Tomorrow, they will make this condition a thing of the past.

With your help, we can advance type 1 diabetes (T1D) treatment and care, so people with T1D can live fuller, healthier lives.