THERE was a time when Jason Whiter couldn’t walk to the shops without feeling like he was going to pass out.
But things are looking better for the Ascot Vale real estate agent, who is now working about 60 hours a week.
Mr Whiter, 34, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11 and has suffered a string of complications as a result of the disease.
The Sunbury resident will take part in Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes fundraiser in October.
“I’ve had diabetes since I was 11 and finding a cure is a goal of mine, so I try to help out where I can,” Mr Whiter said.
“It’s so other people don’t have to go through what I have gone through.”
Mr Whiter started losing his vision in both eyes in 2003 and suffered from high blood pressure, which caused him to pass out regularly.
In 2009, his kidneys failed and he was on dialysis for four months before having a kidney and pancreas transplant. He is now back at work thanks to the help of his wife, Janene, who he said was his biggest support.
Despite still being affected by complications from the disease, Mr Whiter said he was happy to be working again.
“I think there’s a lot more people who are worse off than I am,” Mr Whiter said.
Walk to Cure Diabetes is on October 21. To donate, go to walk.jdrf.org.au/vic/jasonwhiter.
