I found out about the Tour de Cure purely by accident.  I was recovering from a serious illness that I caught while hospitalized after I was diagnosed with Type 2 daibetes and an extremely high blood sugar level.  My first thought upon stumbling accross the Tour de Cure was; "AWESOME!" from the moment I came accross the Tour de Cure website I knew that I was going to join the ride.

So, "Why am I riding the Tour de Cure?"  Whenever I look at it I still think-- AWESOME! After seeing that I missed out on the 2012 Tour de Cure, I kept checking back to see when I could sign up for the 2013.  Riding in and fundraising for the Tour de Cure lets me help bring more awareness of diabetes.  But that's not all . . .

I ride for my wife, my daughter, and my family.  Throughout February and March of this year, while I was going through my health problems, my wife and daughter, and other family members, were right by my side.  Yes, I am a lucky guy.  When I speak to people about why I have changed my diet and lifestyle (exercising more) I let them know that I have seen what diabetes can do and I do not want that to happen to me.  I ride to manage my diabetes and stay healthy for my wife, my daughter, and my family.

I ride for the challenge.  It has been a very long time since I regularly rode a bike of any kind.  Getting back on the bike and starting training has been a challenge.  But, as the first part of this story will tell you, I don?t mind challenges.  I guess I even enjoy them.  One of the greatest feelings comes in facing and overcoming challenges.  Riding and participating in the Tour de Cure allows me to challenge myself.

I ride simply because I enjoy it.  Being out on the bike is a great feeling- yes even when the legs feel heavy and you?re sure there?s a head-wind bearing down on you.  To me there?s very little like it, and I look forward time I can hop on the bike and go.

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!