100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Young diabetic calls for federal funding for research network

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Retrospective approval sought for depot beside motorway

An application to convert a rural block into a transport depot is now open for public notification, with the retrospective plans lodged in response More

Industrial site sells for $3.4m in off-market deal

A freestanding industrial facility has fetched $3.4 million in an off-market transaction, highlighting the ongoing strength of the Sunshine Coast market. The sale of the More

$250k makeover for supported living home

Five housemates have moved back into their supported independent living house after a five-month, $250,000 renovation to refresh and modernise their ‘family’ home. Buderim housemates More

Ashley Robinson: Big losses to our community

I probably didn’t realise how the new-age digital world would impact simple but important things that we normally take for granted. What I am on More

Photo of the day: stunning sunrise

Sunrise at Cotton Tree, as photographed by Julianne Hutley. If you have a photo of the day offering, email photo@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. Photos must be horizontal/landscape and More

Deadly snake found far from home sparks investigation

A highly venomous snake has been found far from its usual range, sparking a rare job for snake handlers and an investigation by authorities. A More

A teenager will fly to Canberra this week to push for funding for research that could benefit people with type 1 diabetes or those yet to be diagnosed with it.

Freya Goldston, 15, of Buderim, will meet with Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien and hopes to speak to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about extending funding for type 1 diabetes research.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Clinical Research Network is the main vehicle for type 1 diabetes research in Australia.

Freya will represent the Fairfax electorate at the JDRF’s Kids in the House on November 26, reminding politicians that people need for a cure for type 1 diabetes, which she has had since a baby.

She said research held the key for people with type 1 diabetes and there was no stopping until one was found.

It will be the second Kids in the House for Freya, who went to Canberra in 2018 as part of the campaign for funding.

She has grown into a vocal advocate for type 1 diabetics, and research into a cure and improved treatments for the condition.

“I’ve grown up with diabetes. It’s really interesting to see how hard it can be for some people to get what they need,” she said.

“I know I come from a place of privilege. I have a loving and supportive family and I’ve got the support I need. Not everyone has that.

“I really want to help people who have diabetes that don’t have that great support network.”

The JDRF is currently seeking another $50m in federal funding for the continuation of the CRN’s research.

Freya Goldson and Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien.

Freya’s mother, Jackie Goldston said she hoped that type 1 diabetes could be prevented and that those with it could be cured.

She said Freya had already benefited from research and advances in treatment, having gone from needing 10 insulin injections a day to wearing a pump which automatically provides her body with the right amount of insulin according to what she has eaten.

She said the family had never made “a big deal” about Freya’s diabetes but was supportive of her advocacy for all type 1 diabetics.

“She’s confident and adept and talented. She needs to use all that to make a difference,” Mrs Goldston said.

Freya, a Sunshine Coast Grammar School student and competitive swimmer, said her brother, Declan, 18, had played a role in her becoming an advocate for type 1 diabetes research.

“My older brother helps me with stuff like that. That helps motivate and inspire me,” she said.

She said research was the key to people with type 1 diabetes leading a better life.

“Type one diabetes is complex to manage and leads to a life controlled, by numbers, tests and the constant threat of serious complications,” she said

“Yet we know that research is the key to improving lives for people with type 1 diabetes and the funding of the CRN is critical to achieving the goal on finding a cure.”

Like stories about Sunshine Coast people doing great things? Help us deliver more by registering for our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your email at the bottom of this article.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share