Thursday, February 25, 2010

Back to Death Valley

Last year we decided that after four JDRF rides in Death Valley it was time to try something new. So we headed out to the brand new Juvenile Diabetes ride in Killington, Vermont. And it was something new. It was cold and rainy, the very opposite of what we experience in Death Valley. So in October it's back to the Valley for the West Michigan team.

Tom and Mary in Death Valley in 2008. Inset is Ian, 14 years old.

This year we have a brand new rider, our 14 year old son Ian. Ian's brother Jake was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1997 when Ian was only 2 years old. Ian has never known a time when his big brother hasn't had diabetes. Ian not only wants to help Jake, he is also very motivated by the physical challenge of riding 105 miles in Death Valley.

Our family goal this year is $4,000 each, which is a total of $12,000. That money will go a long way to help find a cure for diabetes. If you'd like to contribute you can click on one of the "Donate to..." links on the left. Or to donate to Tom click here. To donate to Mary click here. Or to donate to Ian click here. Thank you very much for your support.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

GR Bike Film Fest Update

The documentary will be shown this Saturday, February 13, at the Grand Rapids Bicycle Film Festival. The Wealthy Theatre will be using two different screening areas to show films. A 10 minute excerpt version of the documentary will show in the main theatre. The full documentary will be showing in the Koning Micro Cinema. The evening session starts at 6:30 and runs until 10:00.

West Michigan JDRF Coach Mike Clark says "Allow me to put in a plug for this event. It was a blast last year and there's no reason to expect otherwise this time 'round. A nice "gathering of the clan" if you will and some fun flicks. Lin and I will be in attendance and hope to see you there!"

For more info click here.