LuAnn was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on her 21st birthday. Today she uses an insulin pump to manage it. It's a 24/7 challenge that never takes a day off or gives her a break while she's wrangling two energetic kids.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a disorder of the body's immune system.

LuAnn checks her blood sugar 8-10 times a day. She pumps up for meals and when her blood sugar is high. She takes glucose tablets or drinks orange juice when it's low.

In short, diabetes sucks, which is why we're running the Colorado Marathon May 1 in Fort Collins to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It's our first marathon, and we've been training all winter.

Many people with type 1 diabetes aren't fortunate enough to afford an insulin pump. And though running helps LuAnn control her diabetes, it has gotten progressively worse. EMS visited our house on a November morning after Kevin woke up to find LuAnn in a diabetic coma from a low blood sugar.

That's why we're running for a cure.

We appreciate anything you can give, and so does the JDRF. Your donation goes directly to the JDRF.

You can also follow our training on Kevin's Facebook page or on twitter at @kevindarst.

Thanks for your consideration and support,

LuAnn and Kevin