Get to Know Our YDA Charity Runners

Katrina Cai, YDA Member
Diagnosed with Type 1 in 2004

Katrina is participating in her first 10km run at the SCHKM. She joined the race to challenge herself and boost her fitness. Encouraged by a friend, she started running and soon discovered it was more than just exercise—it became a way to relieve stress, find inner peace, and maintain overall well-being.

Living with Type 1 diabetes, Katrina carefully monitors her blood glucose during training and races, adjusts her diet, and always carries a CGM and glucose supplies. Her biggest hurdle is managing blood glucose fluctuations, but with meticulous planning and quick adjustments, she overcomes them.

“Running has made me more proactive in managing my health. I’ve learned to monitor my glucose more carefully—for example, checking more frequently before and after exercise and adjusting my diet at the right time.”

Jonette Dimblad, Family member
Parent of a son with Type 1 diabetes

Jonette is preparing for her very first road marathon. Having run since high school and completed several ultra-trail races after moving to Hong Kong in 2015, Jonette sees running as more than just exercise. “Running is my favourite way to exercise, but it is also my ‘me time,’ my time to reflect, collect my thoughts and leave my stress behind—it is like meditation.”

This marathon, however, carries a deeper purpose. Jonette, together with her husband Torbjorn and their son Axel, is running as a family for her son Gustav, who lives with Type 1 diabetes, dedicating every step to him and to all those who are affected by this condition. “It is not going to be an easy run, on the unforgiving pavement, but a few hours of discomfort for me
is nothing compared to how T1D affects my son Gustav every
day. This is for him,” she shares.

As part of the YDA community, Jonette feels the meaning of
her run growing stronger as race day approaches. “If I ever
run for a cause I truly believe in, it’s this one. I will think of
Gustav and all the incredibly brave and strong individuals
who manage and live with this disease every single day.”

Dr Yau, YDA Medical Advisor

For many years, Dr Yau has walked alongside people with diabetes and youngsters, gently encouraging them to embrace exercise to strengthen both body and mind. “In the clinic or ward, I often remind patients with diabetes to exercise more. As medical professionals, we should also lead by example.” He believes that exercise not only strengthens the body but also has positive effects on mental well-being.

When exercising, endorphins are released, making people happier and more relaxed.” This is his first time taking on a 10 km run. Being able to participate and raise funds for YDA, he believes it is a rare and truly meaningful opportunity. He laughed, “10 km is not an easy task for me. To complete the race, perseverance and determination are essential!”

Earlier, when joining YDA’s training activities, Dr Yau was deeply moved by the spirit of the participants: “They completed the course and were able to maintain stable blood sugar levels—truly impressive.” He believes these sessions are more than exercise; they are also a wonderful platform for encouragement, mutual support, and building friendships.