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.