Picture this: a bunch of fantastic people, stunning landscapes, and a whole lot of heart. That's the story of One Trek New Zealand, where type 1 diabetes (T1D) community member Sarah Shields took on an adventure that was nothing short of life-changing.
Now, meet Sarah – a rockstar who's been by her husband's side through the ups and downs of T1D for more than 17 years. She's seen it all – the sugar highs, the sugar lows, the needles, the doctor visits – you name it. "Seeing the one you love the most struggle with these things every day and not really being able to help is heartbreaking. But I stay strong so that he has someone to lean on when times get tough," Sarah says.
It was this strength and love for her husband that fuelled her decision to dive into the world of JDRF's One Trek.
So, how exactly did Sarah find herself in the Southern Alps of New Zealand? Well, blame it on the JDRF Path to a Cure newsletter. A regular reader, she stumbled upon an invitation to join the trek, and without a second thought, she was all in. A six-day adventure in unfamiliar territory was totally out of her comfort zone, but she embraced it with open arms to help raise money for an incredibly worthy cause.
"I thought about my husband and people just like him who are uncomfortable every day as they try to manage their T1D. Here was an opportunity for me to tackle a challenge, to move outside my comfort zone, to see a part of the world I had not been to before, to raise money for such a worthy cause and help those in need. How could I say no!"
For Sarah, the trek wasn't just about conquering mountains. It was about connecting with an awesome group of people who became more like family than fellow trekkers. Sarah says, "I never imagined I'd meet such an amazing bunch – fun, kind, and so supportive! The scenery was breathtaking, the challenges were wild, but it was the people who made it unforgettable."
Her favourite memory? After a tough afternoon, they all jumped into a glacial lake for a splash, a laugh, and some epic photos. Talk about a team bonding moment!
"We were all challenging ourselves but we were also doing it as a team, sticking together, learning from each other, supporting and helping each other every step of the way. We were all there for the same reasons, with a goal to raise funds and help the ones we love. We conquered those mountains and cheered on each other's success! The fun we had as a team is something I will never forget!"
Now, Sarah's rallying everyone to join the fun in the next chapter – One Trek Peru. It's not just about the breathtaking landscapes or the shared triumphs; it's about making a real difference for those facing T1D.
Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Join us for One Trek Peru! Sign up now and let's trek for a cause, conquer new peaks, and create memories that'll warm your heart for years to come!
