Help Chris raise money

In November 2023, my life changed in an instant. What I thought was just a period of feeling “off” turned into battling extreme fatigue, dealing with constant thirst, and managing unexpected weight loss. After consulting with my doctor, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), a reality I never saw coming.

Since that day, every aspect of my life has been shaped by this condition. I used to be able to consume whatever I wanted without a second thought, but now every meal requires careful planning. T1D requires me to consume minimal carbohydrates and little to no sugar, making meal planning a crucial part of my routine. I’ve had to learn how to monitor my blood sugar around the clock, give myself several insulin injections daily, and adjust everything I do to keep things in balance. Simple activities I once took for granted, like going for a run, grabbing dinner with friends, and getting through everyday tasks, now require constant awareness and preparation.

As a collegiate-athlete turned marathon runner, T1D has completely changed the way I prepare for workouts and training. I can no longer just lace up my shoes and go. I have to carefully plan my nutrition, monitor my blood sugar levels, and make sure I always have the right supplies with me. This means carrying snacks and quick sources of sugar, especially while exercising, to prevent a blood sugar crash. If my blood sugar levels dip too low during a workout, it leaves me feeling weak and disoriented, so I have to be proactive. Every workout now requires extra preparation and awareness, turning what used to be routine into a constant balancing act.

This year, I’ll be running the ASICS Falmouth Road Race on August 17th and fundraising for Breakthrough T1D to support research and raise awareness. My goal is to raise $1,800, symbolizing the approximately 1.8 million people in the U.S. living with type 1 diabetes. Every dollar raised supports groundbreaking research aimed at improving treatments and, ultimately, finding a cure. I appreciate any support in helping drive progress toward a world without T1D!