I am riding because the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure is so much more than a cycling event to me. It is my opportunity to participate with my family and friends to change the future and make a positive impact in the lives of those who are affected by diabetes. Participating in the Tour de Cure is a small way that I can show diabetes that every day I clip onto my bike is another day I win and my diabetes takes a back seat. 

I am committed to ride and raise money in this inspirational event not because 26 million people in the United States have diabetes, but because I personally know and love many of them, and I want to do something about it.  Diabetes has personally affected my family for three generations with my Grandfather, Dad, and Uncle, losing their battle with diabetes at too young of an age.   I and both my brothers have Type 1 Diabetes and together we face the challenges of living with diabetes.   When I was five years old my parents sent me to one of the most amazing places on earth,  a summer camp for girls with diabetes.  I thank my parents for giving me the opportunity to meet and make friends with other girls with diabetes.  I still keep in touch with many of my summer camp friends and am humbled by their passion to not let diabetes stand in their way.    I am excited that many of them will be riding with the Warner's Warriors for the Tour de Cure. 

Won't you help me start a chain reaction?

Please consider joining me to celebrate my 40th birthday as well as my 39 year anniversary with diabetes by either riding along with my family, coming to cheer us on or making a donation to myself or Warner's Warriors. When I was diagnosed 39 years ago with diabetes the news was devastating and overwhelming to my parents.  I was an infant and there was no such thing as blood sugar testing, insulin pumps or Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring devices that I so heavily depend upon now to stay healthy and active.  It is because of the ADA and their tireless efforts in the areas of research and support that people with diabetes are living longer with fewer complications.  I am so grateful to the ADA and all their efforts and riding is my chance to help give back. 

Chances are, you also know someone who has been affected by diabetes and you already know how important it is to stop this disease. By making a donation on my behalf or by joining my team, you will be helping the Association provide community-based education programs, protect the rights of people with diabetes and fund critical research for a cure.

With your help, we will fight for a future where a parent does not have to hear that their child has diabetes; a future where an adult does not have to face the uncertain times ahead after receiving a diabetes diagnosis; a future where you and I will know that we had a part in making this possible. 

I truly appreciate your support. Together we can Stop Diabetes!