American Diabetes Association: For a cure in their lifetimes..

For a cure in their lifetimes..
Sunday, October 2, 2005
By: Mark Cesaro

My two children and their three cousins are at risk for Type 1 diabetes. I ride to support the research that will find a cure for this disease in their lifetime.

I've had Type 1 diabetes since 1972. I've never let it stop me from doing anything that I wanted to do, from playing hard at sports, to backpacking and hiking mountains, and now, to cycling. And while I've always fought to keep it in control, after 33 years, it and genetics have started to take their toll on my body.

Last December it was determined that I needed cardiac bypass sugery. It was primarily the combined result of a family history of heart disease and the long term effects of diabetes. Just six months after the surgery, I completed my first 100k Tour de Cure. My commitment to riding the Tour forced me to follow a rather agressive rehab and training program. It gave me a reason to train hard and for that I am thankful. And I've been increasing my endurance and my miles ever since. I am very fortunate.

But now I've got a new reason to ride the Tour, and I will do so every year for as long as I can. My two children and their three cousins are at risk for Type 1 diabetes. I know that if research is funded to continue as it has for the past several years, a cure will be discovered. I ride to support the research that will find a cure for this disease in their lifetimes so they will not need to suffer its effects.