Part 4 of 5: Turning Challenge into Strength
The Athens Olympics was a defining moment for Chris Jarvis, marked by both achievement and unexpected challenges. Reflecting on that experience, Chris emphasized how much he learned about resilience and growth. “One of the biggest things that helped me move through that moment was recognizing how far I’d come,” he shared. Competing at the highest level and pushing through difficult moments reinforced his belief in what he was capable of, and that mindset became foundational in his work with I Challenge Diabetes (ICD).
Chris’ ability to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth is central to how he encourages resilience in ICD participants today. “Knowing how deeply some moments can hit someone, whether it’s a goal in managing diabetes or in life, I think I can help people work through that or at least understand where they’re at.” This understanding has allowed him to build a platform where participants feel seen, supported, and empowered to push through their own challenges.
Beyond his athletic career, Chris’ journey in founding and growing ICD is a testament to this same drive and adaptability. Starting a nonprofit from scratch wasn’t easy. Resources were limited, and Chris wasn’t formally trained in business or fundraising. That grassroots, purpose-driven approach laid the foundation for ICD’s success.
“I didn’t go and raise a million dollars before starting ICD,” he explained. “It was really about exploring what people needed.”
What kept Chris going, even when things got tough, was the passion and support of the community. The shared commitment to making a difference helped ICD grow into a national movement, empowering people with diabetes to live boldly and build resilience.
“The belief from our team and participants, that’s what kept lifting us up.”
Chris acknowledges that balancing the demands of Olympic-level training with growing a nonprofit wasn’t always easy. “It’s the hardest thing not to try to do too much because we are constantly on the borderline of too much,” he admitted. But he’s learned that even when things don’t go perfectly, showing up and doing what you can with what you have is enough.
That mindset, focusing on what’s possible rather than what’s lacking, continues to drive Chris and ICD today. His story is a reminder that strength isn’t about avoiding setbacks; it’s about learning from them and using those lessons to lift others up.
This is part four of a five-part series, detailing Chris Jarvis’ story, and the origins of I Challenge Diabetes, compiled and written by ICD intern Hodan Abdi. Check out parts one , two and three here!
