Honolulu resident Jill Tsuchitori, 44, is one of 25 runners from around the world selected as a 2009 Global Hero by the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, taking place Oct. 4.
Global Heroes are chosen because they lead full, active lives with the help of medical technology.
Tsuchitori, who has an insulin pump to treat diabetes, will run the TC 10 Mile race from Minneapolis to St. Paul, Minn.
Tsuchitori,now a mother of three, first began running when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 25 years ago. Since receiving an insulin pump 16 years ago, Tsuchitori has participated in numerous races, ranging from 10Ks to a 10-mile run around the rim of a volcano, a half-marathon up and over the Kolekole Pass through the Waianae mountains, and a two-day relay around the island of Oahu.
Today her 9-year-old son provides extra motivation; he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of two.

'GLOBAL HEROES'

The 2009 Global Heroes range in age from 18 to 74 and have devices to treat a range of chronic health conditions from heart disease to diabetes, spinal disorders, chronic pain or neurological disorders. Each will run either the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon or the Medtronic TC 10 Mile. Representing Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom and several states across the U.S., Global Heroes receive complimentary travel, accommodations and race entry for the October events.

Visit http://www.medtronic.com/globalheroes for details about the program.