Sustainable Fashion & Type 1 Diabetes Advocacy | SU1 Life's Brand Journey

OUR JOURNEY

My name is Sofia Sacoor. When I was just 8, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

It is a condition where your body is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in your blood. Insulin helps your body turn the food you eat into energy, but without enough of it, too much sugar can build up in your blood and cause serious health problems. Due to this, I inject insulin into my body many times a day and control my sugar levels. This is painful and anything but easy for me and the 8.4 million people living with T1 today.

At 13, I realised I was blessed to have insulin around me, regardless of whether it caused me pain as MANY kids around the world didn't. I decided then and there to start my own company where my mission was to give as much as I could to those kids who weren't as fortunate as I was.

Thank you for buying something that can't be bought: a smile.

LOOK AT WHAT WE'VE DONE

Take a look at how we are raising awareness through our partnerships, news articles, talks and so much more.

MALAYSIA

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Watch the highlights for our Malaysia endeavor

Sunway Medical Center Donation

In March of 2024, SÜ1 had the opportunity to expand their operation into the beloved Malaysia, specifically to Kuala Lumpur.

All of the proceeds gained from the SÜ1 pop-up at the Sunway Pyramid mall and the sales of the online store in Malaysia were donated to the Sunway Medical Center, the leading private hospital of Malaysia, to support children with Type 1 and help them get another shot at life. What an experience!

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Sunway Pyramid Mall Pop-Up Store

SÜ1 opened up its very first pop-up store in Malaysia at the very famous Sunway Pyramid Mall, one of the three top malls in Malaysia with 2 million square feet of GLA, for a total of 3 days where we got to share our products, mission and vision with our new fans.

All proceeds from this store were then donated to the Sunway Medical Center, not only broadening our business reach but also the reach of our impact. Superb!

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Sunway University Lecture

Sofia also had the opportunity to speak to some budding entrepreneurs at the Sunway University, ranked one of the best universities in Asia with more than 12,000 local and international students.

In addition to learning about their stories and inspirations, she got to share her own adventure and the lessons she learned from being a young entrepreneur. How enriching!

UAE

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Al Jalila Foundation Donation for Year 1

In May of 2024, SÜ1 got to deliver its first cheque to the Al Jalila Foundation, a globally acclaimed UAE charity that is part of Dubai Health and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives organization (founded by His Highness Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and vice-president as well as Prime Minister of the UAE).

Aimed at supporting children in the UAE with Type 1 who cannot afford their insulin and other supplies, the donations create a difference in thousands of lives through the different Al Jalila diabetes-related branches, including the Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. Another amazing milestone for SÜ1!

Watch the Highlights

Al Jalila Foundation Name Engraving - Bassmat Rashid Bin Saeed Donor Wall

SÜ1 also had the opportunity to engrave the company name and Sofia’s name on a chrome triangle on a first-of-its-kind engravement wall beside the largest and most respectable corporations of Dubai and the UAE. It marks the journey SÜ1 has gone through and the excitement for the future!

Portugal

Associação Protectora dos Diabéticos de Portugal (APDP) Donation

In July of 2024, SÜ1 was blessed with the opportunity to support the community of children with Type 1 Diabetes in Portugal, Sofia’s country of origin and one very close to her heart. All proceeds were donated to the APDP of Portugal, a trailblazer in caring for people with diabetes with its cutting-edge treatments and pioneering research that serves over 30,000 patients annually while reducing diabetes-related complications by 40% in the last decade,

Such proceeds were then directed towards funding the Campo de Férias or the Holiday Camp for children aged 13-17 with Type 1 Diabetes where they learn more about what it is to live with Type 1 alongside friends who endure the same struggles and pain.

APDP Campo de Férias Volunteering

Sofia also had the opportunity to spend time at the APDP’s Campo de Férias, the camp she donated to, where kids with Type 1 Diabetes can learn to manage and navigate their conditions appropriately. Celebrating its 25th year of operation, what the camp aims to emphasise to these kids throughout their experience is that they are capable of whatever they set their minds to, just as all other kids are - as well as they are not alone in their pain or challenges. The 24 kids this year along with their guides and heads - all of which have Type 1 as well - most definitely had an experience of a lifetime.

Sofia got to speak about her experience with Type 1 and teach the kids about what it is like to be an entrepreneur and what it takes to succeed while ensuring her condition is stable. She got to spend time individually with the children and mentored some of them in their entrepreneurial and personal aspirations during her time at the camp. She also got to learn a lot about the different ways Type 1 could be dealt with from the children and the guides.

PRESS

EUROPE - MIDDLE EAST - ASIA

50+ Media Coverages (articles, magazines, newspapers, TV, social media, radio stations, influencer meetups, etc...)

My designs are inspired by the joy and positivity I want to spread. Each illustration tells a story of hope and resilience, echoing the spirit of those battling Type 1 Diabetes.

Our garments are designed to inspire, move, and empower. Every stitch carries the hope for a healthier future and the belief that together, we can make a significant difference.

A missão da SU1 vai além da moda; cada peça vendida contribui para financiar instituições que apoiam crianças com Diabetes Tipo 1.

SU1 is pioneering a business model where fashion meets philanthropy, pledging $5 or 20 AED from each sale towards institutions aiding children with Type 1 Diabetes.

Sofia visited APDP and made a donation of 3,000 euros to the Association's Summer Camp. APDP thanks Sofia for her inspiring and supportive gesture, highlighting the importance of her support for this important initiative.

"Being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at such a young age was a significant turning point in my life. Though I couldn’t prevent it, I felt fortunate to have access to resources to manage my diagnosis.”

A portion of the proceeds will support children with Type 1 Diabetes at Sunway Medical Centre. Sofia’s journey with T1D inspired her to create stylish and comfortable clothing while contributing to a cause close to her heart.

The recent partnership between SÜ1 and Al Jalila Foundation is a natural alignment of their missions to promote healthcare access and support individuals with medical challenges.

Not just a clothing line, it’s a movement encouraging a fit lifestyle crucial for people with diabetes and their goals aren’t measured in profit, but in the number of lives they touch.

Together, SÜ1 and Al Jalila Foundation have launched various initiatives to support children with Type 1 Diabetes, including financial donations, awareness campaigns, and plans for events such as the “Beat Diabetes Walk.

Reading about children and adults struggling to afford insulin and medical devices, with some even passing away, made me realise that I could have easily been in their position had the variables in my life been slightly different,” she reflected.

I found myself drawn to the creativity and self-expression it offered. As I navigated through life, particularly after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I realised the power fashion has in making a positive impact.

An innovative athleisure brand dedicated to supporting children with T1D. Her brand not only creates stylish and functional clothing but also collaborates with organisations such as Al Jalila Foundation to improve healthcare accessibility.

MEDIA COVERAGE & MENTIONS

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