Hi all!

This will be my fourth year raising money and cycling in the annual Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association.

I plan to ride in three separate Tours again this year. The first 100 miles will be in Rochester, MN on May 18. The second 100 miles will be in Minneapolis just two weeks later. The last 100 miles will be in Longmont, CO on August 17. (And if I can squeeze in a fourth Tour, I hope to do 100 miles in California... but we'll have to see if I have enough vactaion :-)

Why am I doing this? Because my father has diabetes. So does my uncle. So does my cousin, at least two of my friends at work, one of my friends from the navy, and several others I know and care about. I'd bet my bicycle that you probably know somebody with diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin which is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. There are 25.8 million Americans living with diabetes right now, and approximately 79 million who have pre-diabetes. That's more people than the entire population of our country's four largest states (California, Texas, New York, and Florida)!

One in three children born after the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime, if we don't act now.

My participation in the annual Tour de Cure will make a difference. With the help of people like you, the American Diabetes Association can raise over $18 million to fund critical research, provide up-to-date information to the public and health care professionals, reach out to high-risk populations, and advocate on behalf of the diabetes community in order to improve comprehensive health care and insurance coverage.

My goal is to raise at least $2600, so I REEEALLY need your help!

Please click the red  Donate to Jim  button at the top of this page to make a secure, 100% tax deductible donation on my behalf. NOTE: This is just a straight donation, NOT a "per mile" donation, so there will be no surprises at the end if I ride 1000 miles :-)

Of course, if you cannot afford to make a financial contribution, I understand... but you can still help. Please tell your friends and family about my ride, send them a link to this page, and ask them to make a contribution. Every little bit helps.

Please wish me well, I'm going to need it.

Thank you very much in advance. Together we can Stop Diabetes, pedaling one mile at a time.

Peace,

Jim Lafflam
tour.de.cure@lafflam.com
760-523-3526