Tara's Personal Page

In May 2011, I dusted off my ride legs for the first time in many years to get on the saddle of a bike in the hopes of riding 100 miles in Death Valley. With six months to prepare, I did just that and I have been hooked ever since!

Many people ask, ?Why? Why would you want to ride that many miles in that amount of heat?? In 2011, my response was: for my nephew, grandmother as well as old and new friends who have and who continue to struggle with T1D diabetes every hour of every day. While these are still reasons for why I ride, I have added to my list. Top on that list: to bring awareness to the disease, as well as all of the complications associated with it. But, also to show that there *is* hope, progress is being made, and to share some inspiring stories from those I meet along the way!

Throughout my training and until I ride in Death Valley again this October, I will share stories from those who have been impacted with T1D. Some may be very inspiring, while others are very frightening? especially to those of us with loved ones who face this chronic disease every day. Here are a few important facts to be aware of:

Diabetes burnout* is common and it is also very serious. Most people, when they are burned out on something, they take a break from it. Go on vacation; escape. With diabetes, there is no escape. There is no vacation. It does not take a holiday. It?s there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

While studies show that tight control of blood glucose can prevent or delay problems with the eyes, kidneys, nervous system, and heart in type 1 diabetes, problems may still occur even in people with good control. Some of the most common to note are:

• Kidney damage
• Heart failure
• Loss of limb(s)
• Loss of eyesight
• Nerve damage
• Seizures
• Death

There is no cure for diabetes and, while I can't take it away, I ride so that a researcher can. And because of your generous donation, a cure is in sight. I hope you will join me in this fight to cure, treat and prevent diabetes by donating as generously as possible. I sincerely appreciate all of your support and thank you in advance. Together, we can make the cure a reality!

Interested in learning more about where your funds are going? Click here to take a look at the most current research that JDRF is funding.

Team Southwest Ohio: Keeping the lights on for T1D research.

*If you or someone you know living with T1D would like to connect with a support group, please send me a message at tlistermann@jdrf.org and I will help connect you with someone in your area!

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