Neither 26.2 miles nor T1D stops Breakthrough T1D families for 2014 Free Press Marathon
in General

Thousands participate in the Detroit Free Press marathon each year, and Team Breakthrough T1D to Cure Diabetes was among those running the streets of Detroit for the 2014 event. This is the second year Breakthrough T1D has been granted a charity partnership, and the Breakthrough T1D team of 25 has raised a significant amount of funds to help fund research for a treatment or cure. Among those who participated were the families of Ryan McNamara, Ethan Shamberger and Jason Warzecha, who share their T1D stories.
Last year, when 13 year-old Ryan McNamara of Northville lost 23 pounds in 2 weeks, his Mom Jackie knew it was from more than just his recent growth spurt. He looked gaunt, unhealthy and was lethargic.
Jackie Agius and husband Terry rushed Ryan to the hospital where he was immediately diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Since, they have been finding ways to help support research for curing T1D.
Jackie and her husband have been running the Detroit Free Press

Marathon together for four years, and this year they donated the money they raised in Ryan’s name to the Breakthrough T1D Metro Detroit/Southeast Michigan Chapter.
Despite Jackie’s recent knee injury, she ran because raising awareness is crucial to her. “The work Breakthrough T1D is doing is amazing, advancements like the insulin pump, the continuous glucose monitor and the artificial pancreas can improve the lives of those who suffer from T1D.”
Similar to Ryan’s story, when Ethan Shamberger of Livonia turned 5 he had his annual checkup in November and by January had lost an alarming amount of weight. His mother Jen took him to the doctor, and he weighed in at only 35 pounds.
Ethan, now 8, is learning to better recognize his highs and lows and with the help of insulin injections from Jen and Dad, Eric, Ethan is as active as ever.
Jen trained for the marathon since February and raised more than $2,000 to donate in Ethan’s name to help fund Breakthrough T1D research.
When Megan Warzecha met her husband Jason,
dealing with T1D became a new part of her everyday life. Jason was diagnosed as a child and leads a very active life, he chooses not to use a pump but instead still injects.
The two have been training diligently for the race since November of last year. “Learning how to calculate Jason’s ‘fuel’ intake has been a process, but with his persistence throughout the last year, we are confident participating in the half marathon,” said Megan.
Jason and family have been participating in Breakthrough T1D events for years as they were connected to the organization through a teacher at Jason’s school. They have raised almost $1,500 for the cause.


