A 26 year-old Atherton Tablelands' woman is taking big steps in her ongoing challenge of living with Type 1 diabetes.

In fact, Jessica Masters (who grew up in Port Douglas) is taking many big step as part of her 'Run for Type 1' event that aims to raise awareness and funds for Diabetes Queensland’s new program Diabetes Basics, a support initiative for children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) while attending school.

"For too long I have hidden diabetes away, trying to keep it separate from my ‘everyday life,'" Jessica said.

"I’ve kept the disease to myself and worked though each day as if T1D is the enemy. This year will mark the beginning of a new approach."

Growing up with T1D on the Atherton Tablelands, it was no surprise for Jessica to find herself to be the only Type 1 diabetic among her peers.

"Diabetes Queensland’s Diabetes Basics program is a wonderful initiative which will help children to feel less alienated in the same situations," Jessica said.

"Diabetes forces you to grow up quickly and in front of a world where you’re still trying to understand who you are. Needles, doctors, blood tests and hypos couldn’t be more intrusive."

Jessica aims to gather a large group of supporters from around the region to participate with her in the Run for Cairns on Friday 1 June and raise $2000 in the process.

"For better or worse, I have diabetes. Although we all remain hopeful, there’s no cure - yet so I can ignore it and suffer the consequences or accept it, embrace it, and live a healthy, happy and fulfilled life.

"2012 is about making positive changes in my life so that I can contribute to bettering the lives of others with Type 1 Diabetes, to show them they are never alone and that diabetes is not curse, rather a force that can drive you to achieve more than you imagined."

To join the team please email Jessica on Jessica.masters@hotmail.com or sign up on Facebook.

You can also donate and sponsor Jessica’s run online.

Get sports news first on The Newsport Sport page.