Help Courtney raise money

Life throws curve balls at all of us. My biggest to date was on March 26^th, 2023; the day my 20-month-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Initially, I armored up, ready for absolutely anything, committed and dedicated to doing truly whatever it takes to set Zayn up for a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. I dove head first into every aspect of diabetes education, driving our medical team crazy with daily, detailed questions, reading books, listening to podcasts, grasping for absolutely any connection to Type 1, as I had no previous experience with or close exposure to the condition. My sole focus was rising to the occasion of being the mother this baby needed, and I promised Zayn and myself that I would do anything it took to be his advocate, teacher, guide, hand holder, listening ear, and biggest support as he builds exactly the life he dreams of.

This commitment remans my North Star, but over the past 2 years, I’ve learned that life is fluid, dynamic, and multiple, differing things can be true at the same time.

As the days and weeks passed after diagnosis, I started to process what it actually means to live with an incurable chronic health condition. The concept of relentless, 24/7 management came to life, as I didn’t sleep for months, feeling absolutely helpless as I witnessed my one-year-old son suffer, and I wasn’t yet equipped with the tools to help. Unpredictability had new meaning as no two days were the same, no matter how hard I tried to wrangle Type 1 into submission. I learned the distinction between control and management. 

Coping with Zayn’s diagnosis is an ongoing process for me, but I’m at peace with our reality. Diabetes will never be easy, but we have gotten so much better at it. Type 1 takes zero breaks. It has a mind of its own. It’s misunderstood. Aside from the technology my guy wears, it’s invisible until it’s dangerously critical. It’s tough, but wow my guy is so much tougher. We don’t always choose the cards we’re dealt, but man he has risen to the occasion since day 1.

To bear witness to his strength is such an honor and gift. And I’ve been buoyed by the strength of the Type 1 community on my darkest of days, including the immediate support of Breakthrough T1D.

The Falmouth Road Race is a day to not only show up for Breakthrough T1D like it showed up for our family, but it’s a day to celebrate the strength, resiliency, hope, agility, and intentional choice of life involved in living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Please join me in supporting the Warriors who live with Type 1 Diabetes, Breakthrough T1D as it fights for a cure, and my Zayn.

Zayn, you are my light, my love, and my hero. I cannot wait until we run this race together some day.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.breakthrought1d.org/