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 change the future and to make a positive impact in the lives of those who are affected by diabetes. I also ride to remember my father, Dr. Jerome Bulmash, who battled the disease for 37 years until he died from its complications in 2007. He was my hero. He grew up as a kid from an immigrant family living in East Baltimore. I always was amazed at Dad's discilpline as he fought the disease by exercising and watching his diet very closely. His older brother William was diagnosed with diabetes as a teenager and died prematurely in his early 50s.

I am committed to ride and to raise money in this inspirational event not because 30 million people in the United States have diabetes, but because I personally know some of them, and I want to do something about it. Won't you help me start a chain reaction?

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!