When I was in my very early 20s, I decided it would be a fun idea to have a list of 30 things I wanted to accomplish by my 30th birthday. Some were easily attainable (visit NYC during Christmas, go to a major league baseball game), while others seemed more monstrous (see a giraffe in the wild, complete a marathon). Unfortunately we haven’t booked our trip to Giraffe Manor yet, but I am excited / terrified to announce that the most physically daunting one is in the process of getting crossed off:
I’m running the NYC Marathon!
I know—I can’t believe I just typed that either. And to top it off, I’m doing it for a cause that’s extremely important to me: I’m running it with a team of runners all living with Type 1 diabetes. Running with Beyond Type Run is one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done and I’m proud to have the chance to inspire other Type 1s, destroy stereotypes, and show everyone what living beyond Type 1 looks like.
I was diagnosed as Type 1 myself in 2004 at 15, but it’s something that’s always been in my life one way or another. I grew up with four other Type 1s: my father, brother, sister, and first cousin. This marathon is just as much for them as it is for me. It’s about raising money for a cure just as much as it’s about showing the world that instead of being the butt of a joke, Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t have to slow you down.
Actually, being diagnosed as Type 1 has forced me to live a much healthier lifestyle. I’m lucky enough to have a supportive spouse who pushes me to be my absolute best and who has been ever so patient with me since we ran our first 5k together four years ago. She even carries some of my supplies when we run and helps me to make healthy eating choices, always checking carbohydrate counts before cooking a new meal.
Not everyone is that lucky, though. Making healthy food choices usually means making more expensive food choices. The cost of insulin is skyrocketing. Insurance companies don’t always cover the newest equipment that would allow Type 1s better control. And on and on and on.
Your support not only makes my run possible, but it supports the work of Beyond Type 1—a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Your donation will make a real difference in my life and the lives of many others living with T1D. Donations of all sizes are very much appreciated: Bridget's Fundraising Page.
Thank you!
Follow my journey here, on Instagram as @type1cousins, @bridgetwoznica, and through the hashtag #BridgetRunsNYC.