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My son and I were very moved by your inspirational speech at the Kona Marathon pre-race pasta dinner for Team Diabetes in June 2003. My son is 18 and newly diagnosed. This is a difficult time for him with peer pressure and applying to college. Thank you for your email to him. He pumped up the tires on his bike and went for a long ride. Everyone I have showed the email to has been brought to tears. You are so inspiring. Thank you so much for your time and help.
Sincerely,
- Michelle A., Dallas, TX
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I read about you in the December issue of Diabetes Forecast, and I was "blown away" by your accomplishments. I will be 58 in December and have had type 1 diabetes for almost 47 years. The idea of doing Ironman Triathlon, especially having type 1 diabetes, is amazing to me. Every person who has diabetes, whether type 1 or 2, needs to hear this over and over. I hope lots of people get motivated by hearing of your commitment and accomplishments. You are an awesome role model for anyone with diabetes.
Thank you again,
- Lloyd P., West Hollywood, CA
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I wanted to thank you for the article in Daily Diabetes Care magazine. I too am diabetic type1 and have let the disease take over my life. I read your story today because of the title, "YOU WILL NOT QUIT!!" Just what I needed to read since I am on my way to better health and I felt like quitting. You are truly an inspiration to me…
Thank you.
- Victoria T., Tacoma, Washington
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I just wanted to write to say how inspirational I found your story in Diabetes Focus. I myself do not have diabetes, however, have been struggling with trying to live a healthier lifestyle and your article did it for me. I lost weight and feel terrific…thanks in part to you and that awesome story. I just wanted to let you know you made a difference to me.
- Linda L.
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Your story really moved me. I have been diabetic since I was 14 yrs old. I am now 23. As I have gotten older trying to manage my diabetes has been somewhat of a roller coaster. I start off well but tend to not maintain consistency. Your story makes me feel like I can do anything. I no longer want to feel sorry for myself, but rather, good about myself. I want to be able to say that I am doing everything within my power to be a success story.
Thank you,
- Brandy M.
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I am 32 years old, and have been living with diabetes for 30 of those years. It's a constant battle, but I totally appreciate your attitude towards the disease, and never letting it stop you from your life. Hope you don't mind, but I'm incorporating your motto, "You Will Not Quit" into my life. What a way to go about it!!
Thanks. You inspire me, and I look forward to keeping an eye on you and what you're up to!
- Shane N., Minneapolis, MN
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I read the article about you in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Forecast. You are beyond motivated. You are inspirational. I really enjoy reading athletic, inspirational stories. I was wondering if you have written any books to tell the story about controlling your diabetes during such intense training for the Ironman.
Sincerely,
- Sabrina C., San Diego, CA
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I wanted to write and tell you how inspiring your story was. My mom was diagnosed with diabetes about 3 years ago. She is doing fine but at times is frustrated with her condition. Your story clearly showed that one can accept diabetes and not let it limit your life. Thank you again for sharing your story with all of us.
Regards,
- Tina C.
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Thanks for telling your story. You helped me open my eyes to see that diabetes can be beat. Now I'm taking steps to change my life around to make it better for me. I know you will make it to the Ironman in Hawaii, because you have the heart for it.
Sincerely,
- Roger E.
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My son, Eric, is 12 years old and we'll be celebrating his 7th anniversary with diabetes this Friday. I told him about your article in Diabetes Focus and he was so impressed that he sat down and read it. He said, "Mom, we need to have the school nurse and my gym teacher read this." They "suggested" that he not participate in swim class due to his juvenile diabetes. I will be sharing your article with his teachers to show them that diabetes does not hold those back with diabetes back, only their attitude towards diabetes can do that. Thanks again for your inspiring story.
Respectfully,
- Charla S.
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I am 11 years old. I just found out I was diabetic on 03/03/03 and know I feel alot better. But I play soccer softball and basketball and also I am the president of my student council and I love to read. But that doesn't even add up times 10,000 to what your training for the Ironman. How could you keep from getting low? You said you take a sports drink and nutrition bar but how could that be enough? I just don't know enough about diabetes to understand. In class we have diabetes buddies. When I was diagnosed with it 8 months ago my parents cried a lot even though I was out of school and I was still learning. YOU ARE THE DIABETIC IRONMAN.
- Anna W., 11 years old, 5th grade
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