 
In February, 2002, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My story is not an uncommon one. I had a genetic predisposition, as both parents developed diabetes in their 50s. As a kid, I was very athletic. I began running at age 7 and was very active in high school sports, doing swim team, track and cross country. That active lifestyle served me well for many years. But, as so often occurs, life became busy for me with 3 young children and a new business requiring a lot of time and energy. I became sedentary and my eating habits deteriorated. The resulting effect was the onset of type 2 diabetes, which would forever change my life.
I’ve recommitted myself to eating well, and leading a fit and active lifestyle, so that I can manage my diabetes, and have a full and healthy life for many years to come. I returned to triathlon and was excited to find a group of triathletes in Team Triabetes. I joined the team and raced in that awesome gear, completing my first half-iron distance triathlon in September 2009. As I transition into longer distances, the trial of managing my blood glucose becomes more challenging. I’m learning new information about biochemistry, nutrition, fitness, fatigue, and my own personal potential, limitations, and metabolism. I was recently (6/2010) newly diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic, as my pancreas is no longer making insulin and I must supply exogenous insulin to maintain my metabolism. I am prepared to face the challenges that come with this new phase of my disease and I hope to inspire others that their disease does not need to be limiting. Through proper nutrition, exercise, fitness and living a healthy, active lifestyle, I hope to prove that there are no boundries to what can be done when diagnosed with diabetes.
      
I was honored to be chosen to be a Triabetes Team Captain for the Great Lakes Region for the 2010-2011 race season. By accepting this position, I have commited to fundraise $4000, mentor a child with type-1 diabetes from my region, train for and compete in Ironman St. George 2011. What is an Ironman triathlon you may ask? It is a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike, and then completing a full marathon - 26.2 miles - all under 17 hours. I am excited to undertake this challenge and I hope to inspire, educate, and motivate other people with diabetes. We encourage taking a proactive role in managing diabetes by living a healthy, fit, athletic lifestyle. It's both exciting and challenging, and I hope you will support me by contributing to my fundraising campaign!
You can learn more about our parent charity, Insulindependence or  by checking out the links.
I have never fundraised for a cause before, and it is a scary undertaking in itself. It's always difficult to ask for help, ask for financial support, and this isn't a comfortable place for me. But, like triathlon, like training for an Ironman, I am ready to tackle that challenge, and will do my best to reach out to friends, family, and my community, and ask for support in the challenge I am undertaking. Support in any form is greatly appreciated! You can donate $5 dollars and skip that Venti Caramel Macchiato! Or, $25, $100, $200 dollars. Or, $140.70, the number of miles I will be covering in April 2011. Honestly, friends, whatever you can do to help me with my fundraising goal will be immensely appreciated, and will be put toward such a wonderful cause. We are making changes in people's lives! If you are unable to gift a monetary amount, can you please consider forwarding my page to friends, family and others that who's lives have been touched by diabetes?
Please support me here. I greatly appreciate your support of me, and of my fundraising goal. We are making a real difference in the lives of people with diabetes. Thank you! |
