Global Heroes 2012

I will again be applying to be part of the Medtronic Global Heroes and run the Twin Cities Marathon on October to inspire others with medical conditions like diabetes to stay active and not let the condition limit the possibilities for adventure.


Here is an excerpt from the email I received explaining the Global Heroes Program:

A cooperative effort between Twin Cities in Motion and the Medtronic Foundation, the Global Heroes program recognizes runners from around the world who have a medical device to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain and spinal and neurological disorders.

Up to 25 runners will be selected to receive two entries into the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, held on Oct. 7, 2012 in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 12 years ago at the age of 25, I was a runner and had completed a few marathons and when I got the news of what I had, I thought that was all over.  When I got past the initial shock, I learned that diabetes can be managed and I did everything that I could to continue a normal life.  Before too long I was running again, but I struggled with blood sugar highs and lows that went from frustrating to scary.  A couple years later, I started using an insulin pump to manage my diabetes and things got much better.  This pager sized device allows me to make frequent and precise adjustments to my insulin treatment and maintain much more stable blood sugar levels.  Now I am able to live, play, eat, and run and run and run and still keep close control of my health and diabetes.  I am thankful for this device and the many friends and medical professionals that have helped me manage my diabetes.  I would love to be part of this program and share my story with others who run with diabetes.
I have applied before and was chosen as an alternate last year.  I am hoping that this year I will be selected as one of the 25.  I'll be sending my application in this week.


They do take nominations as well, so if you would like to nominate me as one of the 2012 Global Heroes, you can do that here.

Thanks!

Alternate

I got this note from Medtronic Global Heroes:

Dear Alex May,

Thank you for applying for the 2011 Medtronic Global Heroes program.  On behalf of Twin Cities In Motion and the Medtronic Foundation, it is our pleasure to inform you that you have been selected as an alternate for the 2011 Medtronic Global Heroes program.

We received many remarkable stories of runners who are managing a chronic disease while continuing to lead an active running lifestyle, and your story certainly stood out among the more than 150 applications from around the world.

A committee from Twin Cities In Motion carefully reviewed all applications, balancing a selection of 25 women and men who represent a variety of conditions, medical devices, hometowns and preference for either the marathon or 10 Mile race.

As an alternate, you would be able to run your designated race on October 2, 2011 should a 2011 Global Hero withdraw from the event.  If you do not hear from us, we will follow up with you by August 15, 2011 to confirm that no openings have become available for alternates.

We hope you will consider this opportunity and let us know if you would like to participate.  

Congratulations on your many achievements.  And many happy miles ahead!

So, I might be running the Twin Cities Marathon in October as a representative for people with Diabetes using an insulin pump.  And I might not.  I am honored to have been selected as an alternate.  Thanks to all of you who are rooting for me.

Global Heroes

I submitted my application a couple days ago for the Medtronic Global Heroes program. Global Heroes is a program through Medtronic (the makers of my insulin pump) and the Twin Cities Marathon that selects and brings together runners from around the world that benefit from medical technology like a pacemaker, a spinal device, a neurological device, or an insulin pump to run the Twin Cities Marathon and provide some inspiration and hope for others with medical conditions. The 25 runners selected, get travel, accommodations and race entry for the October 2 race in Minneapolis/St. Paul. If I am selected, Medtronic will also donate $1000 to the patient organization of my choice. My donation would go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to assist with their work to "prevent, better treat and ultimately cure Type 1 Diabetes".

This is my third year applying to the Global Heroes program. Selection is based on a couple of questions in an online application. The announcement of who is chosen will happen in the next couple months. I'll let you know what happens.