Back in the Saddle

Mary and Tom at a training ride in May

I haven't written much on this blog in the last couple of years because the JDRF Ride Program has been in kind of a holding pattern as a result of the pandemic. Sure, we were still raising money, but there were no destination rides for two years. But we are back at it for 2022 and we are very excited. This is our 18^th year of riding to cure Type 1 Diabetes and we have set a pretty big goal for ourselves. But before we get to our goal, let us give you a little background. 

In September of 1997 our oldest son Jake was diagnosed with T1D as he was entering first grade. Our lives changed overnight. We had to carefully watch what Jake ate, check his blood sugars several times a day, give him shots of insulin, and worry about the long-term complications of the disease. Would our little six-year-old someday go blind or have to have an amputation because of diabetes? We couldn’t sit back, we had to do something to help hasten a cure for this terrible disease. So, we got involved with the local chapter of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation).

We started by participated in the Walk to Cure Diabetes. We also took part in the Promise Gala. We started Jake’s Music Festival to use music and a positive atmosphere to raise funds and bring the message of JDRF to a new audience. Then, 18 years ago, a small group of us from West Michigan started our ride team. Since then, we have raised over 2.5 million dollars for diabetes research.

The money raised by JDRF has helped immensely. Things like the insulin pump and the continuous glucose monitor exist today because of JDRF donations and advocacy. We feel very proud to be part of an organization that is helping to improve the lives of people with T1D.

This year JDRF will be holding one of its national destination rides right here in Grand Rapids on June 11 and we will be there. Our goal for the Grand Rapids ride is $4,000. We have also set a stretch goal for ourselves. JDRF is hosting a ride in Tucson, Arizona on November 19. If we can raise an additional $8,000, we will be riding there as well. That’s a lot of money and we can’t do it without your support.

Donating is simple. Checks can be made out to JDRF (or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and sent to us at 6184 Archer St. NE, Rockford, MI 49341. You can also donate over on the left side of the page, click on “Donate to Tom” or “Donate to Mary” and follow the easy directions.  You can also track our training progress and see photos of the ride.

On behalf of Jake and everyone suffering with diabetes, we thank you for your support.