Jake’s 📬

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‘C’ started running 5 years ago. Covid hit- schools closed (virtual means zero education for individuals like my sons) so I decided we’d walk 3 miles everyday  (he always liked walking) for 30 days, even made a big poster board to check off daily.

A week or so in I thought- let’s jog a street crossing. Then it built and somehow (even though he has never spoken) I knew he liked it and needed it. He has completed THREE marathons, including New York City marathon (November ‘23) with a 4:48 finish time. That time qualifies him for the current Boston Marathon standard (adaptive athlete). His first marathon was just under 6 hours.

He also has gotten healthier! Losing nearly 30 pounds which is important to us as his parents since his brother, mom, and grandma all have Type 1 Diabetes. As his mom, I’m laser focused on appealing the state of Michigan decision for ZERO services (day/safe and meaningful residential) for individuals like him and his brother (higher supports)- it’s absolutely critical to reform this national crisis.

As a young boy we took him to local ‘kid’ running races & nearly every race was an absolute struggle often leaving a 'race' feeling defeated and never wanting to return. We didn’t give up, often ‘training’ on deserted local running tracks by requiring him to even finish 1/4 lap. We knew he could run & quite frankly needed it to help him with his extreme struggles.

Now as a 25 year old young man, he competes in 5k’s with dad - other Guides!

He‘s now starting his 8th year in triathlon. In fact, he was the first athlete to gain access to ANY Ironman course on a tandem bike (with dad/completing two 70.3 relays as a family). Prior to our advocacy for Jake, only visually impaired athletes were allowed on course with a tandem bike. We don't care that Jake was the FIRST- hopeful he won't be the only on a tandem.

He swims & runs on his own (guided by dad for safety/T1D management) & rides the tandem competing in sprint triathlons. We'd say running short & FAST plus long bike rides are his favorite!

Even though dad does a good bit of racing with Jake, he still enjoys racing triathlon on his own.

He started racing marathons (running races) well over 2 decades ago & decided to try triathlon after Julie (mom) had done several. He’s done several 70.3’s and shorter distances & serves as a pivotal piece to Jake’s success in managing himself during races- in the community. Proud USAF veteran and serves on the board of the local non-profit, Bedford Veterans Center.

USAF veteran as well- Shawn and I met serving in Turkey! The first in the family to tackle a marathon (over two decades ago) and triathlon.

Most recently has enjoyed the endurance training and completed several Ironmans with the longest event being a ‘double’ self-supported Iron distance (2 consecutive days completing 140.6 miles).

Nearly 27 years living with Type 1 Diabetes & previously worked as a registered nurse (emergency medicine, hospice & and nonprofit community living for individuals with autism).
Pushing the limits of T1D is a passion along with the 'IronHome' dream- community living experience for those impacted by autism that have no opportunities of complete independence as adults. I'd do anything to be part of THAT TEAM!