American Diabetes Association: Keep riding and climbing!

Keep riding and climbing!
Monday, February 28, 2005

Keep riding and climbing!

Learning to live with diabetes has been one of the toughest ordeals of my life. But I have found that staying active is key to staying healthy and happy.

My name is Casey, and I was diagnosed with type I diabetes less than a month after I turned fourteen. While it seems like forever ago, less than four years have passed. Learning to live with diabetes has been one of the toughest ordeals of my life.

I have found that staying active is key to staying healthy and happy. For the past two years I have been on my school's varsity soccer team. I also ski and do other athletic activities as well.

I not only stay active physically, I also stay active in the fight against diabetes. For the past two years I have participated in the Tour de Cure, a tremendous fundraiser for diabetes research and care. This bike ride is the most rewarding event in which I participate. The first year I went I was amazed to see the multitude of people who came out to make a difference. Whether riding 10, 25, 50, or 100 miles, everybody comes for a great time and a great cause. Never in my life have I encountered so many kind, compassionate, and dedicated people all in one place. As a diabetic, it is especially moving to see how many people care.

It is not only great to see the nice people at the ride, it is also wonderful to see all the generous people in the community. I was amazed at the warmth with which I was received when I went door-to-door looking for donations.

Events such as the Tour de Cure are vital in raising money for diabetes research and care. It is an extremely worthwhile event in which I encourage everybody to participate. Hopefully I'll see you out there next year!