My name is Koby Shufman and I am a 22 year old Type 1 Diabetic living in Toronto. I was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of 14 after driving back from a hockey tournament in Detroit and needing to stop to pee constantly while also having a seemingly unquenchable thirst (two prominent symptoms of diabetes onset). Ever since then, my life underwent a dramatic change, and just like the millions of other Type 1 Diabetics around the world I had to adapt to a regimen of rigorous blood glucose monitoring, insulin injections with every meal, observing and limiting what I eat, counting carbohydrates, relearning how to safely exercise, and essentially taking over the duties of my pancreas which is no longer functioning. Having this thrust upon you at a young age can be very daunting, especially given the fact that Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong, chronic condition with no cure available currently.

However, I have always chosen to look at this prognosis as a challenge to overcome, and it has become my mission to prove to myself, and most importantly others dealing with the disease that diabetes will only stop you if you let it. With a positive mindset, unrelenting spirit and a firm dedication to further educating ourselves I believe that all Type 1 Diabetics can overcome this obstacle and go on to achieve their dreams despite the additional effort it may take, which only makes it even sweeter when we do achieve those goals.

This is why I have decided to set the goal of running a marathon for Type 1 Diabetes on May 8th, 2021. The marathon, known as the pinnacle of endurance races, is a 42.2 kilometre run that presents itself as a very tricky challenge for a Diabetic, which is exactly why I chose it. Over the course of this run I will have to be closely monitoring my blood sugars and consuming the precisely correct amount of carbohydrates to sustain my body's energy levels while also preventing muscle cramping. Unfortunately, due to covid there are no actual marathon events taking place this year, so I will be running alone with a small group of friends and family biking alongside me to provide the nutrients I need. I may be running this one solo, but I will also be running with the millions of my fellow Type 1 Diabetics in mind, which will motivate me to complete my goal.

In turn, my dream is that I can inspire other diabetics, and anyone else out there dealing with their own personal struggle- to be bold, challenge the limits that others set for you, and harness the resilience inside of us all to overcome your struggle and keep pushing forward.

If you would like to join me in making a difference, I am raising money to benefit JDRF Canada, which is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research in the hopes of finding a cure. JDRF's vision is to achieve a world without T1D, and any donation will help make an impact. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

Sincerely,

Koby