2-Year-Old's Unexpected Diabetes Battle Inspires Art Marathon

In November 2020, 2-year-old Zion Williams' world changed when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. His parents, Deborah and Cephas, rushed him to the hospital after he experienced two weeks of tummy pains and sudden weight loss. Doctors found Zion's blood sugar levels were dangerously high, and he was one of the fewer than 200 children in the UK under 2 years old with the condition.

Now 5 years old, Zion is thriving, with his diabetes managed through a continuous glucose monitoring system and an insulin pump. However, his parents have noticed a lack of education surrounding Type 1 diabetes. "So many people have no idea what Type 1 diabetes is," says Deborah. "People have said things like, 'You shouldn't be eating that if you've got diabetes,' not realizing it's an autoimmune disease."

Determined to make a difference, the family is marking World Diabetes Day 2025 with the first 12-hour "Draw for Diabetes" art marathon. Zion, who has loved drawing since he was 2, will be joined by his whole class and other artists, revealing new drawings throughout the day. The family hopes to turn this into a nationwide campaign to help normalize conversations about Type 1 diabetes and give kids a sense of belonging.