Login
Login

Lauren Bruges

I'm walking for a world without type one diabetes

Please help me reach my goal!

Raised

$1,032.72

My Goal

$1,000

Select amount to donate

$25
Can test blood sugar levels in a child participating in an ‘artificial pancreas’ trial
$50
Can test whether a baby or child is likely to get T1D in a world-first screening study
$125
Can pay the daily salary of a mid-career T1D researcher to make their ground-breaking findings
$250
Can pay for a participant in a trial to investigate a cutting-edge T1D prevention drug

Or enter an amount

$
Donate

Total Steps:

114,938

Steps Goal:

72,000

80km

Officially hit 80km of a total.... 500 that I need to walk. 

It's been a couple of hot days in Victoria and the heat impacts my POTS, so I haven't been walking as much. 

I'll continue this challenge until the end of March, walking as far as I possibly can, and hitting that 500km with the help of my team, Lace up for Lauren. 

My dad has been helping my rake in those kilometers, thanks Dad :) 

20km down

Hi all! With an extra 12km in the past two days, I've now hit 20km out of a 145km target. 

I actually got some bad news last night, as my GP told me she strongly suspects I have coeliac disease; a common comorbidity with type one diabetes. 

My family, including my little sister, my dad, and the ginger doggie, have been walking with me when they can in solidarity. 

This 12km was for Valentine's day, and my first donor, Jasper. 

Next step, 50km for my mum and dad, who donated a massive $100 for the cause :) 


First 5km down

First 5km down! This was for Connor, an old co-worker of mine. He donated even though we haven't seen each other in ages. 

This is the longest I have walked in 7 years. An absolutely huge achievement for not only my agoraphobia, but my type one diabetes management! 

Not exercising much at all throughout my teen years up until now means I have little idea of how to manage my blood sugars through exercise, and I find it very daunting.

Today, I didn't even have a CGM on because I forgot to put one back on! I also got a low battery alarm on my pump about halfway through, and had to down a juice at the halfway point. Diabetes was really trying to throw it all at me tonight. 


KMs for $$$

I've pledged to walk 5km for every $10 I raise until the 2nd of March (the walking may continue after this date...). 

I wanted to do a little extra to encourage fundraising, and as I can't match donations, extra walking it is! 

As many of my friends and family know, walking is quite hard for me as it challenges my agoraphobia and ongoing anxiety. The physiological changes that exercise induces can feel a lot like a panic attack for someone with an anxious past.

I might have to recruit a treadmill or a four-legged friend to assist in logging those Ks, but I'm committed to sticking to my word!







I'm walking in Melbourne to turn type one into type none!

I’m joining the world’s largest walk for a future without type 1 diabetes (T1D) at Princes Park on Sunday, March 2, 2025, and I need your help!

Why am I walking? To help fund life-changing research aimed at improving lives and ultimately finding a cure for T1D. Type 1 diabetes can strike any individual or family at any time—and in Australia, 8 people are diagnosed every single day. A diagnosis means entering a 24/7 battle, constantly making 180 decisions each day just to stay safe and healthy.

I’ve been living with T1D for 14 years now, and it’s been a long, challenging journey. The past year I've been feeling the burnout more than ever. I tried a new insulin pump, and it has unfortunately been adding to my anxiety and burnout more than its been helping. Managing diabetes alongside my ADHD only adds to the complexity, making it incredibly tough to stay on top of things. I often forget to bolus for meals, leading to blood sugar spikes, and then I have to correct it, causing frustrating drops. While technology has come a long way, it’s still not perfect, and I’m left feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

A cure would completely change my life—and I’d take it in a heartbeat. But beyond that, I’m walking because I want to ensure that future generations—especially children as young as I was, or younger—don’t have to face the same challenges I did. I want them to grow up without the constant worry, burnout, and stress that comes with this living with type one diabetes. 

Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps fund crucial research that brings us one step closer to a world without T1D.

I would like to add that it isn't all bad. While diabetes impacts every aspect of my life, I have learned for the most part to not let it take control. I got through high school, university, and have just graduated as a registered nurse! Diabetes will not stop me from living my life to the fullest or helping others. 

Thank you so much for supporting me and this cause that means so much to me. Your generosity will help bring hope to so many families affected by T1D and make a real impact on this journey toward a cure.

My Completed Missions in the JDRF Blue Army

Set Profile Picture

Donated to self

Shared Page

Reached Fundraising Target

Power Walker

Athlete

Elite Walker

Increased Fundraising Target Over $500

Thank you to my Sponsors

$257.75

Jonathon Allara

$106.12

James Van Rooyen

A worthwhile cause!

$100

Facebook Donation

$100

G & G

You go girl! Sorry we can’t join the walk but we’re out there with you.

$54.12

Chris Foster

Good luck Lauren!!

$54.12

Anonymous

$30

Facebook Donation

$27.81

Chi Nguyen

All the best Lauren

$27.81

Ana Hair

Inspiring achievement & every heartfelt wish! :)

$27.81

Kevin Sealy

Good luck Lauren! And well done on your fabulous degree result! From Kevin and family - your UK cousins!

$27.81

Muriel Cole

Good Luck for walk, and the future.

$25

Lauren

Donating to put my money where my mouth is. This cause is important to me.

$25

Belinda

Happy Walking Lauren - great cause!

$22.58

John Dimoulas

Good luck and congratulations on all of your achievements :)

$22.58

Kristie James

Good Luck Lauren you have this in the bag!!

$22.58

Vechie Hyunh

So happy youve got your groove back

$20.53

Facebook Donation

$17.16

Rob Baker Bikesonline

$11.65

Lauren Bruges

Donating again because dollar matching!!

$11.65

Max Foley

Good Luck!!

$11.65

Anonymous

$11.65

Jasper Van Den Hurk

Go get 'em, lief ❤️

$11.65

Tom Woodland

$5.69

Jasper Van Den Hurk

;)

My Fellow Team Members