Thomas' Personal Page

Nine years of riding to find a cure for Jake

In 1997 our then six year old son Jake was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Like a lot of families we had no history of the disease and were completly blindsided by the diagnosis. The first year was a blur; learning how to check his blood suger, how to administer insulin, how to do the things we needed to do just to keep Jake alive. Once we got into a daily routine (because diabetes has to be dealt with EVERY day) we looked around to see what we could do to help. We found the local chapter of JDRF and started participating in walks, galas and other fundraising events. Then in 2005 we discovered the Ride to Cure Diabetes.

We have participated in six rides in Death Valley, the lowest, hottest, driest place in the western hemisphere. We have also ridden through the White Mountains of Vermont and all the way around Lake Tahoe, all on behalf of finding a cure. This year we will be riding in Nashville, Tennessee. This ride will be the hilliest we've ever done, with over 4,400 feet of climbing. Our coach says it could well be the most challenging JDRF ride yet. So why do we do it, for nine years in a row? I mentioned our reason at the beginning of this article. We do it for Jake. He has been living with this life threatening disease for 16 years and every additional year is one more too many.

Take a look at these quick facts about type 1 diabetes (T1D)

• 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?

For Jake and the millions of others who suffer with type 1 diabetes we are asking for your support. Click on the links on this page to make a donation. No amount is too small or too large, because every dollar raised puts us that much closer to finding a cure for T1D.

Thank you!

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