Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
This year's challenge took place on a 73km hike to Macchu Picchu, known as the Salkantay Trek.
The goal of the challenge was to raise awareness for Type 1 Diabetes, and help people living with diabetes see that they can live a life without limits.
A team of twelve people living with diabetes joined the expedition from Canada, Brazil, France, Spain, India, and China, and the United States.
The trek began just outside of Cuzco, where our team began 5-8 hours of hiking for each of the next 5 days. We climbed to 4,600m (15,000+ feet), witnessing breathtaking scenery on our way to one of the world’s most famous heritage sites—the “Lost City of the Incas.”
Afterward, we took a day to visit a local hospital to support local families who were struggling with diabetes in their households.
The challenge meant something different to each team member. A common theme for everyone was the opportunity to broaden our global view of diabetes. Through this lens the expedition was an outstanding success. Below are some takeaways from individual team members:
Eshaan from India: "We all pray for a cure! In the meantime, we each have the opportunity to live a healthy life without limits."
Delphine from France: "Being a mother was my Mt. Everest. And I was able to achieve that goal by managing my diabetes. You can do this, just like me."
Mary from China: “Stereotypes and discrimination can make it impossible to find a job where I come from, or even be in a relationship. Growing up in school, hiding diabetes was my only option. This is something I hope to change by being a part of this challenge.”
Stephano from Peru: "Everyone here only talks about limitations," he said. "They wanted to impose that mindset on me from the beginning. I was fortunate to have supportive parents to encourage me to follow my dreams. Now I am competing in the Ironman World Championships."
At the end of the day, we're all challenged in different ways by type 1 diabetes. We're born into different worlds as brothers and sisters. The path will always be easier for some than for others. The important thing is that we appreciate that which unites us, and that we work together to keep the path clear for future generations.
Together, anything is possible.
Check out our documentary T1D Challenge : Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
