Diana got into running in 2019. In 2021, she woke up sluggish and dazed, and after numerous tests,  was diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia. The first 5 months were “devastating.” Simple tasks, like walking up the stairs and driving, became impossible. When she tried a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), our FreeStyle Libre System, she started to better understand and manage her condition. Living with Reactive Hypoglycemia with a glucose monitor, she now feels comfortable doing things like sleeping and working out while knowing what causes her blood sugar to crash and spike. Being equipped with the knowledge to maintain her health while being part of a community of other runners looking to do the same has become a “very important” part of her journey. 

Jeremy Woodward went from fighting for his life in an ICU, with less than a 5% chance of survival, to running towards purpose again. Born with a congenital heart defect, he underwent his first open heart surgery at 22, receiving a valve from an organ donor. Seven years later, he went into heart failure and was given 24-48 hours to live. He went in for an emergency second open-heart surgery and received a new artificial heart valve created by Abbott. Today, he chases finish lines to honor his second chance at life and to define what is possible when you prioritize your health.

Gisselle was born prematurely and had to undergo heart surgery at one week old. As an infant, doctors continued to tell her parents they weren’t sure if she would live past three-years-old. When she made it to three, they were unsure if she’d make it to five. At 10, she underwent another open heart surgery to finalize her treatment, and has been navigating keeping her heart healthy while pursuing what she loves ever since. To show others that they’re not confined by their health

conditions, Gisselle took up distance running in 2023. In 2026, she took that passion further than she ever dreamed by running the Tokyo Marathon with Team Abbott. Encouraging others to live healthy lives keeps her motivated through her health and running journey.

Nicole was born with a congenital heart defect and underwent open heart surgery at 6 months old. Doctors believed she would never be able to engage in rigorous physical activity, yet here she is, running with Team Abbott. While working in deafblind education, supporting students in sighted guide, Nicole was inspired to run her first 5K, blindfolded and guided by a friend. In 2018, following multiple losses and insurmountable grief, running became a way to process. Her first marathon proved she could do something she once feared was unsafe, and as she continues to live with cardiac challenges, she runs in celebration of each day she's given.

Daniela is a two-time cancer survivor living with a rare condition called malignant vasovagal syncope, which causes prolonged heart pauses and sudden fainting. She suffered from unexplained, dangerous blackouts for nearly a decade until receiving a pacemaker in January of 2023. Since then, she has been blackout-free. Now, Daniela celebrates her recovery with each new finish line as a member of Team Abbott.

At the age of 35, Alisha was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She struggled with her diagnosis at first, but one day, a close friend invited her to run a 5K. Crossing that finish line unlocked something in her - a sense of possibility she hadn't felt in a while. As she manages her diabetes with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), she’s able to train with confidence and run with Team Abbott to reclaim her confidence, rebuild her strength and reconnect with her body.