HELP US START A CHAIN REACTION IN THE FIGHT TO STOP DIABETES!!!

On June 1, 2013,  Team Two Bits will be cycling in the American Diabetes Association's Annual Tour de Cure fund-raising event along the Great River Road in Alton, IL for the 9th year in a row .  Some of our team members will be riding the 100 mile century route again, while others, including myself will be riding the 50 mile course.

Over the past eight Tour de Cure rides, I have proudly raised more than $25,000.00 as an indivudual fundraiser, while Team Two Bits as a whole has raised over $65,000.00. We could not have done this without your support! 

Here is a snapshot of what you have helped to make possible over the past couple of years:

Sarah's $$$             Team Two Bits $$$

2009- $3,705           2009- $11,631

2010- $5, 117          2010- $12,044

2011- $5, 575          2011- $10,135

2012- $5,375           2012 -$20,387

I am extremely proud of what our team has accomplished to help in the fight against Diabetes, and we do not plan on stopping anytime soon! In fact, 2013 is an very special year for us, and we hope to honor the spirit for which this team was created and surpass our previous amounts with your help and raise $25,000.00 in 2013! 

Every cyclist has their own reason for riding that drives them to the finish line. Many have a family member or other loved one with diabetes, or some have diabetes themselves. Some participants join because they love the thrill of riding with so many other cyclists on a great route. Others join because it's a good excuse to dust off the bike and ride with the family.

What is my reason?  This journey started for me on October 1, 2003, when my grandfather, Robert L. Vallow passed away. 2013 marks the 10-year anniversary of his passing, and I want to honor him in a BIG way this year!

My grandfather was a Type II diabetic, who managed this disease with diet and a daily insulin regimine. We watched him go through the often times way too typical complications of this disease.. having a blister on his foot that led to the amputation of a toe, then amputation of all toes on that foot, followed by the amputation up to the knee.  Eyesight issues and kidney failure followed by years of dialysis treatments. Trips to the dialysis clinic 3 or 4 days of week became the new norm.  

Both Tom's family and mine are filled with many other loved ones that have lost their fight with diabetes and its long list of side effects, as well friends and family members who are currently battling this disease. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and many others have been touched by this currently incurable disease. During this journey, we have had the opportunity to meet many diabetes patients---- those in the beginning stages and those in complete kidney failure relying on dialysis treatments to keep them alive. It has opened our eyes to how widespread this disease is and how many different people- young and old, of all races and backgrounds are affected. This disease does not discriminate among its sufferers. Through participating in this race, we hope to honor the memories of those we have lost, raise awareness, and raise money to aid in furthering scientific research and advocacy campaigns.

We are asking you to help by supporting our fund-raising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of the 20.8 million Americans who suffer from diabetes and the 40 million people in the United States with pre-diabetes.

It's fast and easy to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by simply clicking the link on this page, or you can contact us to schedule a time to drop off a check or cash donation. If you want to do even more to help, please consider joining us in this great event. Our efforts will help set the pace in the fight against diabetes.

Any amount, great or small, helps in the fight against this deadly disease. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of the Americans who suffer from this life-threatening disease. We sincerely hope that you will sponsor our ride, and assist us in meeting our 2013 team race goal of $25,000.00.

We greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on our progress.

Wishing you health and happiness in 2013 and beyond,

Sarah Gwillim Mansholt.

Captain-  Team Two Bits
Every Donation Counts!

Team Two Bits was formed in honor of Sarah's late grandfather, Robert Vallow, who passed away on October 1, 2003 after a long & hard-fought battle with Type II Diabetes.