My Story

When I was about 3/4 years old, I went on a walk with my dad in our neighborhood. I don't remember a lot, except that during this walk he had a stroke. My little mind couldn't quite compute what was going on, but I knew things weren't right. We were on a street corner, and while my dad was trying to calm me down, I was crying in fear as to what would happen to him. 

At that age, I knew words that most kids my age didn't know such as Type 1 Diabetes, heart transplant, juvenile diabetic, organ donors, insulin, and stroke. 

My dad knew my mom would be waiting for us to return, and if too much time passed without us coming back, she’d get in the car and drive around until she found us.

An older couple came outside their home to help, and as they were about to drive us home, my mom came driving around and saw us. She and my dad both knew he needed insulin, for his Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and he would be fine. 

At the time, my dad was in his mid-thirties. Something that any thirty-year-old should be able to do is go on a walk with their child, without thinking twice about it. However, that wasn't the case for my dad.

Back then, they didn't have the technology or as much knowledge that they do now for Type 1 Diabetics, and I am so grateful for Breakthrough T1D's commitment to research and eradicating Type 1 Diabetes. 

My dad passed away at the age of 37, and every marathon I have ran since I turned 37, my dad has been heavy on my mind. I will turn 40 this February, and the TCS London Marathon will be run without any time goal, but in honor of my dad. 

I will go out and complete the walk we didn't get to finish together, but as a run, 26.2 miles in honor of his life, and for all other T1D warriors.

I’m also running for the support systems, the parents, siblings, and loved ones who learn, sacrifice, and walk alongside. I saw firsthand what my mom carried for my dad, and what my brother gave as well. Their strength reflects the love of so many families living with T1D.

Breakthrough T1D's research has led to new developments in diabetes technology and treatment and is laying the foundations for a cure. Breakthrough T1D supports everyone living with type 1 diabetes, by working with policy makers to increase availability of treatments and by providing information and resources to help people manage their condition.

Every £ (dollar) raised will help Breakthrough T1D work towards the next big breakthrough in type 1 treatment, so please know that your support really matters. 

If you're not able to contribute monetarily, your prayers, and shares of my fundraising page, help just as much.

If you are still reading this, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Blessings,

Elizabeth Miller