Hi, my name is Charlie, and I’m fundraising for an incredible opportunity — attending the Chris Dudley Basketball Camp. It’s the only basketball camp in the world designed specifically for athletes with type one diabetes (T1D). Chris Dudley, the first NBA player to compete with T1D, created this camp to support players like me.

I’m 14 now, and was diagnosed with T1D just before my 7th birthday. Managing diabetes is a constant challenge in everyday life, and it becomes even tougher when playing basketball. I want to be clear though: I can still do everything anyone else can — I just have to work twice as hard to do it. That means constantly monitoring my blood sugar, counting carbs, taking insulin when my levels rise, treating lows when they drop, carrying supplies everywhere I go, and wearing devices that help me stay safe.

I wouldn’t call T1D a blessing in disguise, but it has taught me resilience, discipline, and determination — qualities that have shaped who I am as an athlete. Basketball is my life, and I’m always pushing myself to improve. This camp won’t just help me grow as a player; it will teach me advanced strategies to manage T1D as an elite athlete.

The challenge is that the camp is difficult to get into, which makes it expensive. It’s also in Portland, and I live in Canada, so travel costs add up quickly. Diabetes is already an expensive condition, which is why I’m doing everything I can to help my parents with the financial burden — but I can’t do it alone.

That’s why I’m asking for your support. Any contribution helps me get one step closer to this life-changing experience. Thank you for supporting me and my basketball journey!