Boston Marathon Runner To Hold Fundraiser At Sound Bites

SOMERVILLE, MA – Alicia McNeill will run her first Boston Marathon in April as a member of Team Joslin to support the Joslin Diabetes Center. The 33-year-old Stoneham resident was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of nine and has been a patient at Joslin in Boston for almost 24 years.

McNeill's fiancé, Terrilyn, has also battled Type 1 diabetes since childhood. The pair met while on vacation in New Orleans in 2011 and both receive care from Dr. Susan Herzlinger at Joslin.

"My fiancé and I both have the most sincere gratitude and appreciation for the doctors, nurses, educators and researchers at Joslin," McNeill said. "The work they do is critical for helping me, Terrilyn and millions of others living with diabetes live a long and healthy life."

Unlike many runners, McNeill has the added challenge of managing her blood sugar throughout her workouts and training sessions. She wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor, which allows her to monitor her blood sugar levels and maintain enough energy to get through her workouts, and carries energy chews and a pre-loaded unit of insulin for a quick adjustment during her run.

"No matter how much planning and practice you have, there are too many moving pieces to be able to get it right every time," McNeill said. "It’s a balancing act and it doesn’t always go right, but what I’ve found works best for me is to try to prepare for both ends of the spectrum, then adapt my plans in real time during the race."

McNeill hopes to raise at least $10,000 for Joslin. To help her reach her goal, she will return to Somerville, where she lived for nine years, for a fundraiser at Sound Bites on Sunday, March 4 from 4-8 p.m. The event will feature an all-you-can-eat buffet and raffle contest with prizes from local businesses.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-marathon-fundraiser-for-joslin-diabetes-center-tickets-42733173071.

For more information about Alicia and to donate to her fundraising page, visit www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/joslindiabetescenterboston2018/aliciamcneill.

Photo submitted by Regan Communications Group