Running for a Cause

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. We all know someone who’s been affected by the disease, and SparkleSister Laura Gonzalez is raising funds with Team JDRF for type 1 diabetes (T1D). JDRF’s mission is to cure and prevent T1D, an autoimmune disease where the pancreas stops producing insulin. Laura’s goal is to raise at least $2,000 for JDRF by the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. She’s already more than halfway there! This month, for every $5 donation made at http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/LGonzalez2019, donors will receive a raffle entry toward a custom SparkleSkirts skirt (just make sure to put "Sparkle Raffle" in the notes section, please!).

Approximately 110 people per day are diagnosed with T1D. It’s a disease that can be treated but not cured. Runners with T1D have to take many extra precautions throughout training and on race day to ensure they don’t encounter complications. After all, no insulin means that the body cannot effectively get energy for food. They must regularly monitor blood-sugar levels, and inject or continually infuse insulin through a pump before, during, and after workouts. Careful planning is vital. But with the appropriate steps, runners with T1D can and do tackle marathons.