I learned what type 1 diabetes (T1D) was back when my youngest brother, Matthew, was diagnosed at the age of seven. I remember being at my middle school orientation and hearing the news of his ambulance ride from my grandmother at pickup.
Although I’m not the one living with T1D, I’ve learned a lot about its management. Mostly, that no two days will ever be the same. I remember last summer Matthew and I going on a short bike ride, and even nine years into his diagnosis, we were still unsure how his numbers would react. Even non-physically, we had no idea that emotionally taxing events could cause fluctuations and add a new variable to the mix.
I’ve always known Matthew was capable; I watched him grow from a scared child to now a seventeen-year-old already in his freshman year of college. Most recently, though, he picked up running to race this fall: the Marine Corps 8K. Watching him take on something he knows is uncomfortable will undoubtedly challenge him physically and emotionally.
Today, although still just a student, I’m also a brother, a son, and a friend. I care deeply about those around me, and Matthew inspires me most. Although Matthew isn’t running from the Battle of Marathon, he’s been “running” since August 24, 2016.
Breakthrough T1D has been there for my family since we were in the hospital with Matthew, and they have been nothing short of supportive, engaging, and knowledgeable with anything we could have possibly needed. This organization, beyond striving toward cures, is so important to T1D advocates and first-time families alike.
This fall, I am raising money for Breakthrough T1D’s New York City Marathon Run Team, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Every dollar I continue to raise powers the next step in my training, and I cannot wait to celebrate in Central Park next month.
-David Gay
Visit David’s fundraising page: breakthrought1d.org/goto/davidgay