Portuguese father to run Chicago Marathon to fund Type 1 diabetes research

A Portuguese father whose eight-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is set to run the Chicago Marathon in the US in a bid to raise money for research into the chronic condition.

Frederico Catalão, a father of four, launched the “Diabeat – Bet I’ll Beat It!” campaign to support the Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP), with every euro donated going directly towards scientific research into diabetes.

The initiative was inspired by his son Pedro, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of six.

“Living with diabetes is a daily test of resilience. Managing diabetes is the marathon of a lifetime,” Frederico says.

He hopes that by taking on one of the world’s most iconic races, he can help improve the lives of thousands of families facing similar challenges.

“I truly believe that if each of us does what we can for the causes closest to us, the power to create change is enormous. Alone I won’t change everything, but if that determination spreads to many people, the impact can be significant,” he says.

The funds raised will support APDP research projects aimed at improving the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diabetes, with Frederico particularly hoping to contribute towards research into pre-symptomatic Type 1 diabetes and people at increased risk of developing the disease.

“It’s possible to live with diabetes, but I hope that one day it will be possible to live without it. The more we invest in research, the more lives we can change,” he says.

The campaign has also received the backing of APDP.

“Initiatives like this are fundamental to the work we have been carrying out for decades to improve the lives of people with diabetes in Portugal,” said Dr Raquel Coelho, medical coordinator of the association’s Department of Children and Young People.

She described Frederico’s decision to link “such a demanding personal challenge” to a collective cause as “an inspiring example of how each of us can contribute to developing better scientific research”.

Frederico is encouraging people to support his effort through the campaign’s GoFundMe page.

“Challenge me with your donation! With your support and my energy, we’ll help improve the lives of others,” he says.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.