Iron Andy
Andy Holder has always been the type of person to look for a new
challenge, but his biggest challenge found him in 2005. He has been
an athlete all of his life — playing football, baseball, and
wrestling. After college, Andy maintained a healthy lifestyle by
exercising, eating well and becoming a body builder. Despite being
in such great shape, Andy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in
2005 at the age of 36.
A husband and father of two young boys, Andy was initially
confused, scared and angry by the diagnosis. But, after researching
the disease, he realized this was another challenge he would
overcome. Rather than allow diabetes to define him and to control
the rest of his life, Andy became determined to do something
extraordinary and to prove that no matter what challenges life
presents, you can live without limits…Andy decided to become an
Ironman triathlete.
Despite the fact that he had never done a triathlon before and
didn’t know how to swim, Andy challenged himself to compete in the
ultimate test of physical and mental endurance, as Ironman
competitors swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and complete the event
by running a full marathon of 26.2 miles.
Andy faces additional challenges as an athlete with diabetes. He
must keep his blood sugar levels in check, which involves careful
meal planning, wearing an insulin pump, and testing his blood sugar
a dozen times a day — even while running or riding his bike.
Despite these significant obstacles, Andy has persevered, and has
now completed three marathons, eight half Ironman and three full
Ironman competitions…all in the past three years.
Andy’s story is about overcoming tremendous odds and rising high
above life’s toughest challenges — a message he has delivered to
numerous audiences across the country, such as: USC School of
Pharmacy, Loma Linda University, Scripps Institute, University of
Texas El Paso, Hy-Vee Inc., Home Diagnostics Inc. and Roche Inc.,
just to name a few. Andy has also spoken at many elementary
schools and diabetes camps across the country.
Andy’s primary responsibility has been to join forces with Diabetes
Shoppe®, a program offered by AmerisourceBergen®, as an official
spokesperson for the “Managing Diabetes: Living Without Limits”
campaign. He is participating in races and other events
nationwide on an inspirational tour to spread his message of
encouragement. His most recent challenge has been to create
the Iron Andy Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to
provide inspiration, resources, and assistance to individuals and
families coping with the daily challenges of a chronic disease like
diabetes. To learn more, go to www.ironandyfoundation.org or
http://livingwithoutlimits.diabetes-shoppe.com/