T1 DREAM Chaser

BACKGROUND:

SUMMARY : Team T1 DREAM Chaser is a father-daughter cycling team who will be riding in the annual Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge on November 18, 2018. The team is made up of dad Hannes and daughter Miah Niecke, and they will ride in this event for two reasons:

• They are looking to raise R36 000 to help pay for Miah Niecke’s Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) – a medical device that is used to track a person with Type 1 Diabetes’ blood sugars.
• 10% of all funds raised will be donated to T1International –a non-profit who advocates and fights for access to affordable insulin, diabetes supplies, care and treatment for the global diabetes-community.

HISTORY : On March 9, 2015, Miah Niecke was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) - a chronic, life threatening, autoimmune disease for which there is currently no cure. T1D is NOT the same as the more commonly known form of diabetes, Type2 Diabetes.

Every day Miah Niecke fights for her life and her health in a way most people do not understand. Her 'normal' includes trying to do the job of a malfunctioning organ. It also includes multiple daily insulin injections; multiple daily finger sticks; needles; blood; carb counting; bruised body parts; wrecked sleeping patterns; medical apps; regular appointments with a variety of specialists; expensive medical tools and diabetes stash; courage and bravery. And somewhere in between all of this, everyday life is happening and unfolding for her just like it is for everyone else.

Since Miah Niecke’s diagnosis in 2015 she has had over 7200 insulin injections, and over 10 000 finger pricks. Nonetheless, she continues to live her life to the fullest despite this life-altering diagnosis. She led an active lifestyle prior to her diagnosis and participated in cross country running and horse riding. She continued to pursue these sports post-diagnosis. However, sport became more challenging as she had to learn how to manage the unpredictability of her blood glucose levels which is greatly impacted by exercise and sports.

In 2017 Miah Niecke’s health team suggested the use of a Continuous Glucose Monitor as part of her diabetes management. This medical device has made the world’s difference and has made life safer for her. Unfortunately, in most instances (and in our case), South African medical aids do not cover these medical devices and patients are required to pay for these devices form their own pockets. Diabetes is an expensive disease as it is and the added annual expenses of a CGM is not something Miah Niecke's family can afford at this stage, hence this fundraising initiative.

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PROJECT BACKGROUND and DETAILS:

Miah Niecke and her dad plans to ride in this year’s Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge in November in an effort to raise funds for a new Medtronic Guardian Connect Continuous Glucose Monitor transmitter as well as twelve months’ worth of Enlite sensors. This is a huge undertaking on Miah Niecke’s behalf as she is not a cyclist and has never trained or competed in this sport!

Miah Niecke began her training as a novice cyclist in mid-December 2017. Her dad, Hannes, has been training her and will be riding alongside her as they join over 28 000 cycling enthusiasts in the 22^nd edition of the Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge on November 18, 2018 – four days after World Diabetes Day. Dad Hannes has competed in various events in the past which includes The Comrades Marathon, Ironman 70.3, Ironman 140.6, Sani2C, joBerg2c, The 36One MTB Challenge, Trans Baviaans, Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge and many more.

On July 22, 2018 Team T1 DREAM Chaser entered for the Medihelp TrapNET Cycle Challenge, and Miah Niecke successfully completed this 85km cycling challenge on her mountain bike in 03:50:00. It was the very first race she has ever done.

The team is passionate about the rights of people living with Type 1 Diabetes and will donate 10% of all funds raised to T1International, a non-profit run BY people with and impacted by type 1 diabetes FOR people with type 1 diabetes. T1I advocates and fights for access to affordable insulin, medical care and diabetes supplies for the global T1D community.

Miah Niecke also hopes to inspire other pre-teens and teenagers living with T1D to continue to live their life to the fullest, and to not allow diabetes to steal their dreams. She also hopes to encourage people with T1D to not settle nor give in to the challenges and obstacles of life with T1D, but to continue to dream NEW dreams for themselves despite these challenges and obstacles T1D might have them face.

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TEAM T1 DREAM CHASER’S DONATION REQUEST:

Team T1 DREAM Chaser is asking for monetary donations to help reach their goal of raising R36 000 to cover the CGM expenses, and help raise funds for T1International.

If you can help T1 DREAM Chaser reach their goal and make their dream come true then please use this profile to donate. Alternatively you can contact us via email [email protected] for our banking details if you'd rather make a direct donation to the team.

To support and follow team T1 DREAM Chaser’s journey please visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/T1DREAMchaser/

• For more information about Type 1 Diabetes: https://beyondtype1.org/type-1-diabete

• For more information about the Guardian Connect CGM, and the life changing benefits it has in store for a person with T1D: https://guardianconnect.medtronicdiabetes.co.za/ and https://hcp.medtronic-diabetes.com.au/guardian-con...

• For more information about T1International: https://www.t1international.com/ ; or follow them on their FB Page https://www.facebook.com/t1international/ .

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"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."