As summer approaches, many students have been planning elaborate getaways, hunting for internships, or hopelessly staring at their major requirements to figure out summer class registration. Despite all of the exciting possibilities, Simeon King, an undergraduate student in New Brunswick, has some different plans. This summer he will be cycling across the country to raise funds for Type 1 Diabetes.
On June 1st, Simeon will undertake a 7,500 kilometer journey across Canada in the hopes of raising $100,000 for the charity I Challenge Diabetes (ICD). His ride will span across 14 major communities, starting on the West Coast in Victoria, British Columbia, and ending up in Saint Johns, Newfoundland. He will spend a full three months on the road, hosting events along the way.
“I’ve always dreamed of taking on an extreme physical challenge—not just to test myself, but to show that Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t have to define or limit what’s possible,” he told The Bull and Bear. Simeon is no stranger to pushing past limits; he is training to become a commercial pilot, despite being told it would be impossible for someone with Type 1. He is now ready to push these limits again for a cause, driven by the monumental ways one organization changed his life.
I Challenge Diabetes is a Canadian charity dedicated to promoting community and awareness about Type 1 Diabetes. Their various programs aim to support those with T1D, opening up a vital sense of community for those who may be isolated from others with the condition. The sense of community ICD’s programs opened up for Simeon was something he had never had access to before, and now he hopes to share it with diabetics across the country. The ride is raising money to cover program expenses for those in financial need, allowing ICD’s vital programs to become accessible to all. Simeon expressed his passion for the charity to The Bull and Bear, describing how he’s observed its personal impact through both participating and working within their programs. “I’ve watched I Challenge Diabetes help people push their limits and gain confidence in themselves. That experience inspires me every day to give back and make the same difference for others that ICD made for me.”
Montréal locals can watch out for him on July 28th, as he hits the city over halfway into his journey. “I’ve spent a bit of time in Montréal before, but I’m especially excited to visit in the summer.” He continued, “my hope is that this can be an opportunity for people in Montreal to connect with others in this incredible community.”
In preparation for his journey, he has shared his story through instagram and various channels of outreach, already raising over $20,000 for the cause. With $80,000 to go, Simeon is ready to face the challenge this summer presents him. His journey not only raises awareness of the importance of community within Type 1 Diabetes, but actively supports it, showing how one person can truly have a large impact.
