Over three years ago, my daughter Celeste was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Unlike type 2 diabetes which is usually brought on by an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, type 1 diabetes is a genetic disease and is usually onset in the juvenile years of a person's life. Type 2 diabetes can easily be managed and even reversed through diet and lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot. Our bodies naturally produce insulin which is basically a hormone secreted from the pancreas. Insulin balances our blood sugar so that it stays at a safe level.  In type 1 diabetics, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate the blood sugar.

Do to Celeste's condition,  we have to carefully monitor her blood sugar which includes testing her 4-6 times a day and giving her shots of synthetic insulin before meals. This is a tough condition to deal with and it is hard to see someone close to you having to live with it. However, we are hopeful and believe that Celeste will be cured of this disease in her lifetime. 

Many people face this same situation. In fact, it is estimated that in the near future that about 1 in 5 people will have diabetes. You may even know someone with diabetes. 

 The American Diabetes Association puts forth a great deal of time, effort, and money to find ways to treat and cure diabetes. I believe in their cause and want to do my part to help. I am asking for you to help me do my part.  On June 11, 2011 I will be riding in the Tour de Cure in Brigham City, Utah. I will be riding 100 miles on my bike and I am looking for sponsors who would be willing to donate a small amount of money to this cause. If you would like to donate, you can do so through this secure site and as always, donations made are tax deductible. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Below is a message about the Tour de Cure.

Support Me in Tour de Cure!

I will be cycling in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure fundraising event. Please support me with a donation by selecting the "Click Here to Sponsor Me" button. Our efforts will help set the pace in the fight against diabetes. So let's get in gear and ride to Stop Diabetes!

Help Make a Difference in the fight against diabetes!

Each mile I ride, and the funds I raise will be used in the fight to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

No matter how small or large, your generous gift will help improve the lives of more than 23.6 million Americans who suffer from diabetes, in the hope that future generations can live in a world without this disease. Together, we can all make a difference!

Thank you for making a generous contribution to this cause that is so important to me!