Hi friends and family! As you know, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes 8 years ago while serving in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica. Since then, it has been a continuous journey of learning and adapting to a new way of life. An interesting detail you might not be aware of is that during the very week I got diagnosed, I had originally planned a multi-day hiking trip with friends, something I had before done before. However, circumstances changed, and I found myself grappling with the reality of my recent diagnosis. Since that pivotal moment, I have dedicated myself to understanding diabetes and its impact on various aspects of my life.

From day one, I knew I never wanted diabetes to slow me down or stop me from doing the things I love. So, for the past 8 years, I have been traveling, surfing, camping, playing with my dog, making friends who live with diabetes and even got married! 

Something I still haven't done, but has been on my bucket list, is to complete a multi-day backpacking trip. So, in celebration of the last 8 years of learning, experiencing, and living life in a new way, I have applied for the Connected In Motion Adventure Team. Connected In Motion is a charity organization that provides adults who are living with Type One Diabetes with  community, support and education to help make life with Type One just a little bit easier.

Here are some pictures of me at two of the Connected In Motion adult diabetes camp! 

This year, the Adventure Team is bringing a group of 11 adults living with diabetes from all over the USA and Canada together to train and prepare for a 40-mile multi-day hiking experience. This summer, we will be hiking along the Superior Coastal Trail in Canada along Lake Superior! Along with our training for the next couple of months, we are also raising money for Connected in Motion so they can continue creating educational and adventure filled experiences for adults living with diabetes, like me. 

Your donation directly contributes to fostering a community where individuals with Type One Diabetes thrive. Funds raised support Connected in Motion's efforts to provide educational and experiential opportunities, enhancing the lives of those living with Type One Diabetes through adventure, connection, and peer support. Each contribution helps in organizing transformative experiences, spreading awareness, and creating a supportive network that encourages active, healthy lifestyles despite diabetes. Your generosity makes a real difference, enabling us to continue our mission and impact more lives positively.

Your generous donation directly supports:

• Subsidizing registration fees, ensuring our adventures are accessible.
• Transforming lives by connecting individuals with the Type One Diabetes community.
• Organizing impactful adventures that foster resilience and camaraderie.
• Providing resources that empower participants through education and experiences.
• Facilitating a supportive environment for sharing, growth, and connection.

With your help, we make meaningful connections and transform lives, going beyond just managing diabetes to thriving together! 

Your donation will help CIM continue its amazing work, empowering people like me to live life to the fullest despite diabetes.

Here are a few suggested amounts:

 $11 - one dollar for each member of the 2024 Adventure Trek Team

 $23 - symbolizing my age at the time of diagnosis 

 $40 - representing that type 1 diabetes, often referred to as "juvenile diabetes," affects over 40% of adults like myself

✨Learn more about Connected in motion HERE.

✨Read about the hike I will be doing this July HERE. 

✨Get to know my teammates HERE.