When Sara was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2018, it marked the beginning of a new journey for her family. Inspired by Sara's strength and resilience, and driven to support her daughter, her mother Tania decided to take on the JUMP skydiving challenge. This decision not only aimed to push her own limits but also to support crucial T1D research, shaping a brighter future for Sara and others living with this condition. Read more about her inspiring story below.
How did Sara's diagnosis impact you and your family's life?
When Sara was diagnosed with T1D in 2018, we knew it would significantly change Sara's life forever. Our family needed to accept and adjust to a new, more complex ‘normal’. Our daily routines became more regimented and adapted to the management of T1D. Initially, we were grieving everything Sara had lost, our freedom and spontaneity, and we felt overwhelmed and out of our depth.
Yet, our perspective shifted. During 2021's COVID travel restrictions, we embarked on a bold journey—off-grid camping for three weeks in SA's remote areas, without access to emergency services, mobile reception, or a pharmacy nearby. Despite initial worries, this experience at the beautiful Cullyamurra Waterhole proved transformative. It offered us quality time as a family to reflect and and find a newfound freedom from what we believed were the limitations of living with T1D. It gave us courage and confidence and redefined our 'new normal'.
Why did you decide to take on the JUMP Challenge in 2023?
At the start of 2023, I was looking for a new experience to challenge my family when I came across the JUMP fundraising challenge in my inbox. I immediately knew this was the right challenge for me and hoped Sara would come along for the experience - which she did and we absolutely loved it! It was a great way to get out of our comfort zones while supporting T1D research and making a difference.
What was it like skydiving for the first time?
Skydiving for the first time was scary but so exciting! I was trying to be cool but I was so nervous and just kept thinking about how we would feel after. I recommend anyone to give it a go!
It looks like you loved the experience so much - you are doing it again in 2024! That's incredible. What are you hoping to achieve doing the challenge this time?
Watching Sara step into her power and become more and more confident in her life keeps me motivated to keep embracing challenges and experiences.
She inspires me every day. She's developed a remarkable attitude to just getting on with things and doesn't let T1D dictate what she can or can't do! I'm so proud of her resilience and determination that it compels me to do more and try harder - hence why I'm doing it again and bringing along more people to embrace the challenge with me!
Join others like Tania in challenging themselves and making a difference! Join the JUMP Challenge as an individual, or create a team with your organisation, friends, or family so you can brave the skies together.
