Three years ago my son with diagnosed with Type 1; contrary to popular belief, Type 1 has nothing to do with eating too much sugar, lack of exercise, or anything of the sort. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where your body attacks the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, making it non-functional. Without synthetic insulin, Type 1 diabetics would not survive more than a few days (and they would be a miserable, hospital-bound few days at that).
Synthetic insulin was developed 100 years ago, and is essential for Type 1 survival. Yet, despite being a century old and a life saving medication, without insurance a month's supply would cost over $1000. Thousands of families must choose to buy insulin or food, and many diabetics risk their lives by rationing their insulin day-to-day. To me, this is unconscionable.
I'm supporting the American Diabetes Association to advocate for better legal protection, lower insulin prices, and to fund research into a cure. I'm confident that with enough time and energy, a cure can be found.
So - what is the Tour de Cure? The TdC is an annual event hosted by the American Diabetes Association. Held virtually every year since 2020, I've put my own twist on the event...instead of a typical bike tour, I'll be cranking out 180km in a single day.
Why 180km? Each year, 18,000 children are diagnosed with Type 1, on average, in the United States. That's 18,000 lives permanently changed - unless a cure is found.
Please consider supporting me as I ride for my son and the thousands of others that battle Type 1 every day.
Thank you for making a generous donation for a cause that is so important to me.
Steve