A Marathon for Insulin Access

Hi, my name is Forrest Mackay. I am 23 years old, and in 5 months, I will be running a marathon. Not just for myself, but for the millions of diabetics around the world that can’t afford insulin or diabetic supplies.

In August of 2019, when I was 17 years old, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. I had a somewhat unusual case for type one since it typically develops in adolescence. I remember being in disbelief and terrified. One day, I was a perfectly healthy teenager, and the next, my life was now being dictated by a vial.

I was fortunate. My family had good health insurance, and we could afford my insulin, pump, and supplies. That’s unfortunately not the case for everyone. Specifically in the United States, insulin and diabetes supplies are insanely expensive with and without insurance. Insulin costs $2-$3 to make and the average costs for insulin without insurance is $300-$900 per month. Why should a drug that costs so little to make be sold for such a high price, and why should anyone ever have to make the decision between food and a drug that keeps them alive?

For the next five months, I will be fundraising for insulin, diabetic supplies, and diabetic aid. At the end of the 5 months, 100% of the donations made to GoFundMe will be donated to T1International, which uses funds to advocate and organize for accessible and affordable insulin and supplies.

No family should ever have to choose between food and medicine. No one should die because insulin is priced out of reach.

Please consider donating. Every dollar helps provide real, tangible aid. And if you can’t give, sharing this campaign means the world too.

Let’s run toward a future where everyone with diabetes has the chance to live a full and fearless life.

Thank you,

Forrest Mackay