1RUN

Man runs across country for diabetes awareness 1 Print Email Submitted Doug Masiuk is running across America to raise awareness and support for the fight against diabetes. After leaving Elko on Sunday, he’ll make his way toward Salt Lake City. 17 hours ago • By ANDREA GLOVER Free Press Staff Writer(0) Comments ELKO — For the past month, Doug Masiuk has run more than 500 miles and encountered nearly every kind of weather. He still has more than 2,500 miles to go. Masiuk, 38, is on a four-month run across the United States to raise diabetes awareness and support for the fight against the disease. Averaging more than 20-mile days, he expects to reach New York by September, and this weekend is making a stop in Elko. At 10 a.m. today in Elko Main City Park, Masiuk and his team will host an event to promote diabetes awareness, hoping to recognize local families impacted by diabetes. “It’s really about connecting with the communities we’re in,” said Masiuk. He plans to distribute information to those in attendance, as well as those out in the community, as he runs through Elko on his way to Salt Lake City. While running across the United States may seem odd for an individual with diabetes, for Masiuk it’s always made sense. “Diabetes doesn’t need to be an excuse — you can go out and accomplish anything,” said Masiuk. “(Running) is what I know how to do.” Masiuk took up running about four years ago, and began looking into what it would take to run across the country at around the same time. After some research, he found 231 people had completed it, including a Type II diabetic who successfully ran across the country two years ago. After seeing the successes, Masiuk founded the group 1RUN and put his plan into action, producing a website to chronicle his time on the road and inform people about diabetes. “The more attention that’s brought to (diabetes), the more ways we can inspire people and the better health we’re going to have” between both diabetics and non-diabetics, said Masiuk. As he makes his way across the country, Masiuk looks for local families that have been impacted by diabetes to host him. When he arrived in Elko he met Barry and Desiree Sorenson, whose daughter Ashlynn, 5, is a Type I diabetic. “It’s inspiring to watch him,” said Desiree Sorenson. “As a parent, you just worry so much about your children and you want them to do whatever they want, and follow their dreams. It’s great to see Doug doing that.” Ashlynn was diagnosed as a Type I diabetic more than a year ago. Upon being diagnosed, the family spent two days in a hospital learning how to care for her and what her needs were as a diabetic. “As parents, we were really afraid and scared and worried for her,” said Desiree Sorenson. “Since then, we’ve learned everything will be OK.” On Thursday, Masiuk hosted a get-together for Ashlynn and other Type I girls, disseminating resources and advice he’s picked up throughout his life as a diabetic. “I’m lucky because I don’t know any different, but I meet so many people who get it later on — I can’t even imagine” the changes it brings, said Masiuk, who added it “basically redefines who you are.” The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse estimates that more than 79 million people now have pre-diabetes, making it one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases in the country. By 2035, it is estimated one in three Americans will have the disease. Masiuk’s stay in Elko ends Sunday, as he makes his way east along Interstate 80 to Wells and on to Salt Lake City. For more information, visit 1RUN.org or Masiuk’s Facebook page at facebook.com/1RunAmerica.

I wouldn't be me

We have had quite a month. Week one ear infections, high blood sugars from being sick and having the infection, checking and correcting. Week two Hawaii. Adjusting to a time change, different foods, flying for 7 hours, airport security which stinks...no officer I am not going to blow up the plane with my daughter's insulin pump and juice box, different place and schedule, balancing playing at the beach and ocean with pump off, pump on, pump off. All in all I thought we did pretty good. Perfect BG's? Nope but we weren't too high or too low:) Week three: returning ear infection, sinus infections, high blood sugars from the infections and antibiotics, correcting all day and night. The whole family is very sick! Week four: Endo apt. our A1C is up .5 of a point (cry cry) we have had a bad month. The resolve to get healthy again (even though this is out of my control). Next day: wrists, ankles, and knees are swollen so big we are in pain and can't walk. Go to visit er. ER dr. tells us we have serum sickness from previous antibiotics which has caused all of the swelling and hives. We are given a steroid. We learn steroids elevate blood sugars for 3-4 days. Correcting through the day and night. Mom has a bit of a breakdown because of the above stress of the month and lack of sleep. Dad reminds mom that life is good and to pull up my panties:) Today we had a friend over and she was inquiring about why I was making so many hair bows and necklaces. I explained to her it is because I am going to sell them and donate the $ to some scientists that are working tirelessly (JDRF) to find a cure for A. A asked me what a cure means and so I explained that it means that she wouldn't have diabetes anymore etc. She said to me, "but mom don't do that, without diabetes I wouldn't be just me." I am glad that she is comfortable and ok with her diabetes. I am proud of the way she has embraced it. It is a part of her but just a small part of the great kid that she is. Despite our challenges this month we have had some really great times playing soccer, T-Ball, dancing in our dance recital and going to Hawaii!