Dan's Personal Page

Join me in the fight to cure, better treat and prevent type 1 diabetes!

For the past three years, I have been asked "why on earth would you ride your bike over 100 miles in a single day for JDRF?", and what I've found is that my answer has been evolving ever since my first ride in Lake Tahoe on Sept. 11, 2011.  While that day held so much significance in that it was the 10th anniversary of the attacks on this country, it meant even more to me because it marked the day that I realized how much of an impact I could have on T1D, just by simply writing some letters, raising some money, and riding my bike.  What started out as a great way to nurture my newly found love of the road bike and support my state's JDRF chapter (of which I am a Board member), has grown into a passion to cure a disease that effects millions of children and adults, including my dad.  Now, as I enter my third Ride to Cure (and second as the State Coach for Kentucky), I look towards October 19th and the 105 mile trek through Death Valley, CA.  It will no doubt be a hard ride.  With temperatures spiking over 110 degrees and nothing growing taller than your knee, the California desert is one of the most forbidding environments on earth.  But I look at it like this, if type 1 diabetics can live every day of their lives in a constant battle with insulin, blood glucose, and in preparation (not fear) of the next high or low, I can sure as heck do battle with the desert for one day!

My time with the Ride to Cure has taught me many things, but two sentiments have held the most weight ever since they crossed my mind: 1. JDRF is in the business of teaching people how to live without type 1, not how to live with it ; and 2. As Ride to Cure Coaches and Participants, we ride so that one day, (although it may be bittersweet), we can finally say that the ride is canceled...because a cure has been found.

If you're unfamiliar with JDRF or type 1 diabetes, here are a few (not so) fun facts:

• T1D is an autoimmune disease that comes on suddenly and strikes both children and adults at any age?
• T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle?
• Those living with T1D must carefully balance insulin doses with eating and daily activities throughout the day and night?
• Those living with T1D must test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood 6 or more times a day? That would mean a 10 year old diagnosed with T1D will be forced to prick his/her fingers nearly 200,000 times throughout their lives.

As the leader of the type 1 diabetes community, JDRF unifies global efforts to cure, treat and prevent T1D.  JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered.

So I am asking for your support.  Please donate to my personal fundraising efforts.  By doing so, you can help me make a difference for millions of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Thank you for your support!

-Dan

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