It's that time of year again and I will once again be joining my teammates to help fight diabetes in the Oregon/Southwest Washington Tour de Cure.  This year the ride will be on July 25th and will take place virturally with only my teammates. As a result of Covid our ride has changed significantly and so has the need for funds. With the decrease in donations and the increase in insulin needs (due to losses of jobs and health insurance by many) our fund raising is as important as ever.

To those of you that helped me in the past I want to once again say, "Thank You!"  Your contributions to our team effort has allowed us to raise almost $250,000.00 since forming our team alomst a decade ago following our team's namesake first receiving her diagnosis. That is a tremendous contribution to the efforts being placed on diabetes research and education.  So on behalf of my entire team, the many family and friends of our team living with diabetes, and the thousands upon thousands of people out there also waking to the realities of diabetic life I say again, thank you.

With the many changes in the world these days our future riding for this cause is in doubt. At this time we don't even know if a ride will exist for the ADA next year. As a result this may be our final ride for the Tour de Cure. For those who have been part of our journey in the past I am truly grateful for your assistance but I am once again asking for your help.  By following the link provided you may easily access a secure donation website.  There are many preselected options available with the dollar values representing a number as it relates to the world of diabetes.  The only number I ask is what you are willing to help with.  The minimum for the online site is $10.00.  In fact, if all of my friends gave the minimum I would once again exceed my goal raising over $4,000.00. In the past I've promised to put forth the same effort I have in previous years to earn your support. In full disclosure I will be riding half my normal distance this year. Without the supported ride we are in a position of making our own route. While I could ride the 100 miles I have elected to ride with my team including my friend Paige. She has led us not just in namesake but also in her actions. She has lobbied in Washington DC and been part of listening sessions with members of Congress before even reaching her teenage years. I can't pass up the opportunity to share this ride with her and my team. Lastly, many of our employers offer matching funds programs that often go unused at year end.  Ask me how to gain access to those funds and double your contribution at no extra cost to you!

If you would please, take a moment and visit my personal webpage with Tour de Cure.  In under five minutes you can be on your way to stopping diabetes and educating those that live with diabetes.  In thanks for your five minutes, I will give my time and effort training and riding for this great cause.  Thanks again for your help and I know this will be another great year!